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Poplar Farming in Punjab: Expanding Crops, Increasing Income

Report

India

Publication date: June 4, 2026

File format: PDF

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Explore the economic potential of poplar farming in Punjab and how financial support, insurance and technical assistance could help farmers diversify crops and increase income.

Subject Tags

  • Agroforestry
  • Land management
  • Regenerative food systems

Abstract

Poplar-based agroforestry offers an opportunity to diversify Punjab’s rice-wheat farming system while broadening farmers’ income sources. This report evaluates the economic viability of growing poplar in block and boundary plantations and examines farmers’ preferences for financial incentives, insurance, technical assistance and other forms of support. The analysis draws on a survey of 457 farming households across 30 villages in Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Ludhiana, supplemented by focus groups, interviews and a review of existing research.

The study finds that both block and boundary poplar plantations can generate higher returns than conventional rice-wheat production. Block plantations offer significant returns at harvest but require farmers to forgo some annual crop income. Boundary plantations allow farmers to continue cultivating rice and wheat while earning additional medium-term income from trees, making them a potentially attractive option for farmers seeking to balance income and risk.

The report also examines barriers to adoption, including upfront costs, delayed returns, timber-price uncertainty, limited land availability and concerns about effects on other crops. Its findings indicate that subsidies, insurance and technical assistance could increase farmer participation, particularly among those with previous tree-growing experience. The report recommends tailoring support to different farmer groups, improving access to planting materials and market information, and conducting further research on the water implications of expanding poplar agroforestry in Punjab.

TNC Authors