Agroforestry- A viable option for crop diversification in Punjab

Abstract

Punjab is an agriculture intensive state where traditional rice-wheat cropping system has contributed towards food security of the nation. The productivity of this system has stagnated, even declined in certain areas due to depletion of native nutrient reserves and emergence of their defi ciencies, lowering of under-ground water table and resurgence of insects and diseases due to over exploitation. This has accentuated the need for diversifi cation from this system. Agroforestry has emerged as one of the viable alternatives for diversifi cation from existing rice-wheat rotation. Diff erent tree species are traditionally grown in the various agroclimatic zones of the state. The main tree species adopted by the farmers on their agriculture fi elds as block and boundary plantations are poplar, eucalyptus and dek. Appropriate tree species, their quality planting material and remunerative crop combinations have to be selected for higher returns. The productivity and economic returns from the agroforestry systems can also be increased by adopting the appropriate cultural and management practices.