Discusses key strategies for sustainable water recharge solutions
Chandigarh, March 30 2025 (Bharat Khabarnama Bureau) : Punjab and California—two agricultural powerhouses battling severe groundwater depletion—today took a decisive step toward collaborative solutions. A high-level delegation from California State University, Fresno, led by renowned experts Dr. Sharon Elizabeth Benes and Dr. Gurreet Singh Brar, held strategic talks with Punjab’s top agricultural scientists and policymakers to address the worsening water crisis threatening farming and livestock economies in both regions.
The meeting, organized by the Punjab State Farmers’ and Farm Workers’ Commission (PSFC), focused on actionable strategies for water recharge and sustainable farming. PSFC Chairman Dr. Sukhpal Singh outlined Punjab’s Agriculture Policy, while Rajesh Vashisht, former Director of Agriculture, presented alarming data on plummeting groundwater levels and science-backed recharge methods.
Dr. Brar, in a hard-hitting presentation, highlighted the grim future of farming amid shrinking water resources, drawing stark parallels between Punjab and California. Dr. Benes shared California’s battle-tested experiences, stressing that the crisis demands global cooperation.
Dr. Gurkanwal Singh, former Horticulture Director and key policy architect, called for united scientific efforts to build climate-resilient agriculture. Experts Dr. Ranjodh Singh Bains and Sh. Manavpreet Singh further enriched discussions with practical policy measures from Punjab’s draft agricultural framework.
With both regions facing existential threats to their agrarian economies, this collaboration marks a critical step toward securing water sustainability for future generations.
