The focal point of the All India Coordinated Research Project on Dryland Agriculture, PAU-RRS Ballowal Saunkhri, hosted an awareness camp on ‘Rainwater Harvesting and its Efficient Use (Catch the Rain)’, as part of the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), with a focus on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience

The event drew participation from a diverse audience, including farmers, students from PAU College of Agriculture, Ballowal Saunkhri, and scientists from the Regional Research Station.

Dr Manmohanjit Singh, Dean of PAU-College of Agriculture, Ballowal Saunkhri, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, delivering a comprehensive discourse on the alarming depletion of groundwater resources in Punjab and its dire implications for the future. Dr Singh emphasized the critical importance of rainwater harvesting initiatives and urged stakeholders to actively engage in water conservation efforts.
Leading the discussions, Dr Abrar Yousuf, a Scientist in Soil and Water Engineering, delved into the nuances of rainwater harvesting techniques and emphasized the need for judicious water usage. Dr Navneet Kaur, an expert in Agrometeorology, shed light on the shifting climatic patterns in the Kandi region of Punjab and proposed various strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change.

Dr Mohammad Amin Bhat, a distinguished Soil Scientist, elucidated a range of in-situ moisture conservation techniques tailored to enhance crop yields in the Kandi region. His insights underscored the critical link between water conservation practices and agricultural productivity.