To preserve Punjab’s depleting ground water level, the State Water Resources Minister Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria on Wednesday urged the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) to share technical expertise to augment State’s efforts in this direction.
Highlighting various steps being taken towards promoting crop diversification, Sarkaria asked ICID president Felix Britz Reinders, who called upon him, to complement the State efforts to save this precious resource.
Underlining the importance of diversification of crop pattern, Sarkaria emphasised that the paddy-wheat cycle had lowered the ground water level which was a main cause of concern.
He further said the State Government is sensitising the farmers to shun the paddy-wheat cultivation practice and adopt crop diversification to save Punjab to turn it into a desert.
Praising the State’s farmers, Sarkaria said that their hard work has earned the laurel to the State as a food bowl of the country.
Sarkaria also asked the Principal Secretary (Water Resources) Sarvjit Singh to explore the modalities for further cooperation with ICID.
Felix Britz Reinders, who holds specialisation in water resources management and irrigation engineering, including research, design and training, has suggested to adopt the micro irrigation systems like sprinkle and drip system to save ground water. He also assured to the Minister that all possible assistance and cooperation would be provided in this regard.
