CU Punjab hosts ICSSR-JSPS Sponsored Farmer’s Interaction Program on Water and Energy Dynamics within Local Communities in Bathinda District

Bathinda, January 31, 2025: The Department of Geography, Central University of Punjab successfully organized an Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) - Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) sponsored “Community Outreach Farmer’s Interaction Program” in collaboration with the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), Japan, and Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur. This Indo-Japanese initiative focused on sustainable water and energy management in agriculture, engaging experts from India and Japan with local farmers in Bathinda district. The program served as a platform for knowledge exchange, aiming to develop integrated solutions for efficient water and energy use in agriculture.

Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, the Vice-Chancellor, CU Punjab, in his presidential address, emphasized the importance of adopting strategies for water conservation and protection of natural resources. He highlighted the need for community participation along with inclusion and integration of conservation practices into socio-cultural frameworks to ensure long-term sustainability of water resources of this region.

During this programme, experts from Japan and India shared valuable insights on innovative agricultural techniques. From the Japanese collaborator, Dr. Pankaj Kumar, Senior Policy Researcher (Adaptation and Water Area) at IGES, Japan, underscored the need for a hybrid approach combining traditional conservation techniques with modern technologies to ensure sustainable development of agriculture. Dr. Yukako Inamura, Research Manager, Adaptation and Water Area at IGES, stressed the significance of climate adaptation strategies to counteract water scarcity and energy crises. "A proactive adaptation strategy, including water recycling and decentralized energy solutions, can help mitigate risks associated with climate variability," she noted.

Dr. Sui Kanazawa, Policy Researcher, Adaptation and Water Area at IGES, introduced Japanese precision irrigation techniques and their potential applicability in Punjab’s agricultural sector. He remarked, "Efficient irrigation methods such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and water reuse can significantly enhance agricultural productivity while reducing excessive water and energy consumption." From the Indian Collaborator Dr. Suraj Kumar Singh, Professor and Director at the Centre for Climate Change and Water Research, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur, emphasized the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Invited guest Prof. Subhprem Singh Brar and Mr. Resham Singh Brar also highlighted the context of Punjab agriculture and need for sustainable policies. Local farmers also actively participated in the discussions, sharing their experiences and challenges related to water scarcity and high energy costs. Their insights contributed to identifying region-specific needs and the feasibility of implementing Japanese-inspired water-energy solutions in Punjab.

At the outset, Prof. Yogalakshmi, Dean of School of Environmental and Earth Sciences, gave a formal welcome address to all the participants. Dr. Shruti Kanga, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Geography, CU Punjab, emphasized the value of Indo-Japanese knowledge exchange, highlighting Japan’s advanced water conservation and energy-efficient technologies. Dr. L.T. Sasang Guite, Associate Professor, Department of Geography, CU Punjab, proposed a vote of thanks towards the end of the event.

The event was also attended by from Heads of Departments, faculty, staff, and students from various departments from School of Environmental and Earth Sciences, including Geology, Environmental Science and Technology, and Geography, along with other departments of the university.