Farmers, experts join forces at ‘Saanjh Punjab round table’

In a gathering aimed at transforming Punjab’s agricultural landscape, over 50 organisations came together for the “Saanjh Punjab: Round table for Clean and Just Agricultural Futures” held in Ludhiana.

The event marked the launch of a bold new coalition committed to addressing the interlinked issues of stubble burning, groundwater depletion and declining crop diversity in the state.

Bringing together a diverse mix of farmers’ collectives, research institutions, civil society organisations and government representatives, the roundtable worked under the theme “Collaborate, Consolidate, Commit”. Participants mapped ongoing initiatives across Punjab and formed thematic working groups to promote coordinated action.

A Common Minimum Programme (CMP) was drafted, alongside the development of a coordination mechanism and a statewide WhatsApp group for real-time updates, resource-sharing and decision-making.

Dr M S Bhullar, Director, Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), echoed this collaborative spirit. “Scientific research must work in tandem with grassroots wisdom,” noted a senior PAU official. “We’re committed to contribute technical support and guidance,” added Bhullar.

Gurpreet Kaur from Clean Air Punjab, one of the co-organisers, stressed the long-term vision behind the event. “This roundtable is not a one-time event, but the foundation of a long-term, farmer-centric movement.” A Clean Air Punjab spokesperson further added, “For too long, efforts to combat pollution have left farmers out of the conversation.”