Abstract

The present study was undertaken to study the economics of Poplar cultivation and constraints being faced by the Poplar growers. Three types of Agroforestry systems (AFS) were studied; AFS-I (Wheat-kharif fodder), AFS-II (Sugarcane for first three years and then Wheat-kharif fodder for the successive years) and AFS-III (Potato- kharif fodder for first year and then Wheat- kharif fodder for the successive years). The highest net present value (NPV) was Rs. 116068.60 per acre in Ludhiana for AFS-II in 6th year while it was Rs. 126891.90 per acre for AFS-II in 6th year in Ropar. Annuity value (AV) was also highest for AFS-II in 6th year in both Districts. Internal rate of return (IRR) was highest for AFS-II in both the districts i.e. 53.82 per cent in Ludhiana and 51.72 per cent in Ropar District. Benefits cost ratio (BCR) was highest in 6th year i.e. 4.79 for AFS-II in Ludhiana and 5.43 for AFS-II in Ropar Districts. The most prominent production problems were the problem of interculture in block plantation of Poplar and lack of technical know-how. The major problems related to marketing of Poplars were unregulated markets of forest products and price fluctuations. It was concluded that the Poplar cultivation was a remunerative venture. However, their profitability could be further enhanced through Govt. intervention and enhanced management of Poplar plantation.

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