Submitted by Aprajit Mahajan on
Unsustainable groundwater extraction has led to 75 percent of all blocks in Punjab (India) to be classified as overexploited, accounting for 12 percent of India’s overexploited blocks. This project, in partnership with the Government of Punjab, seeks to mitigate this by enhancing utilization of Punjab’s canal infrastructure. Currently, 79 percent of agricultural irrigation in Punjab relies on groundwater. By encouraging a shift toward canal water, the project seeks to reduce dependence on groundwater extraction, thereby lowering energy consumption.
Following initial exploratory visits, the team is now designing an intervention to help farmers transition away from groundwater use. This shift is vital for promoting sustainable agriculture and has large potential to alleviate water stress in India, the global leader in groundwater extraction.
The undergraduate student would join the research team at a crucial stage, as we work to identify a feasible program aimed at helping farmers reduce groundwater usage in Punjab, India. This phase involves synthesizing field insights with academic research to inform the design of potential interventions. The student would participate in weekly team meetings to stay updated on findings from ongoing scoping fieldwork and contribute to discussions around possible program directions. The main deliverable will be a review of relevant literature, primarily in development economics, but also drawing from the natural sciences, to better assess the feasibility and implications of various interventions.
Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Economics, Environmental Studies, Public Policy, Agricultural Sciences, or related field
Interest in development economics, environmental sustainability, water scarcity agricultural policy
Ability to critically read and synthesize academic literature across disciplines
Familiarity with randomized evaluations
Excellent written and verbal communication skills