PAU Scientist Features Among 20 Eminent Women Scientists in Natural Resource Management

Ludhiana, March 11, 2026 (Sanjeev Ahuja): Dr Samanpreet Kaur, Principal Scientist, Department of Soil and Water Engineering, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), has been recognized among 20 eminent women scientists in natural resource management by ICAR–Indian Institute of Soil Science (IISS), Bhopal. The recognition was conferred during the International Women’s Day celebrations, held at ICAR-IISS, Bhopal, on March 6, 2026, where a coffee table book “Luminaries of Vasundhra” featuring the contributions of leading women scientists working in natural resource management was released.

Dr Samanpreet Kaur has made significant contributions in the areas of groundwater assessment, irrigation water management, climate change impacts on water resources, and the application of GIS, remote sensing and machine learning for sustainable natural resource management. Her work integrates field experimentation, hydrological modelling and geospatial tools to develop science-based solutions for sustainable water use in agriculture.

She is a recipient of several recognitions including the ISAE Commendation Medal and the ICAR Jawaharlal Nehru Award for outstanding doctoral research in natural resource management. She has published extensively in national and international journals, and contributed to several research projects related to groundwater sustainability, climate resilience, and water resource management in Punjab.

Dr Samanpreet Kaur has also received advanced training in “Geoinformatics for Natural Resource Management” at Ohio State University, USA, and served as visiting faculty at the University of Guelph, Canada.

The PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal; Director of Research Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt; Dean, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology Dr Manjeet Singh; and Head, Department of Soil and Water Engineering Dr Sunil Garg, congratulated Dr Samanpreet Kaur for this achievement.

Dr Garg said that such recognitions bring pride to the university and motivate young scientists to work for sustainable agricultural development.