Excessive paddy cultivation in Punjab is often blamed for the alarming depletion of groundwater levels. However, Dr. Daler Singh of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) presents a different perspective, arguing that the real issue lies not in paddy cultivation itself, but in the puddling technique traditionally used for paddy transplantation.

In this in-depth conversation, journalist Mandeep Singh speaks with Dr. Daler Singh to understand his viewpoint, examine the scientific reasoning behind it, and explore practical alternatives that could help conserve groundwater while sustaining agricultural productivity in Punjab.