Archive · 24 Aug 2025
Ludhiana Farmer Earns ₹50 Lakhs Annually from Poplar Farming
A farmer in India switched from growing wheat and rice to growing poplar trees.
This was a big change from what his family had done for a long time.
Now, he makes a lot more money, around 50 lakh rupees each year!
He sells the trees and the young plants.
It's also better for the environment because poplars don't need as much water as rice, and they don't pollute the air like burning the fields.
He has a system where he always has trees to sell.
It is a very successful and smart business.
A farmer in Ludhiana, India, has transformed his family's farming legacy into a modern, commercial-scale venture.
He shifted from traditional wheat-paddy farming to poplar cultivation, earning nearly ₹50 lakh annually.
The poplar business includes selling trees, saplings, and operating a distribution business for agricultural implements.
Poplar farming is low-maintenance and environment-friendly compared to water-intensive crops like paddy.
The farmer utilizes a chain system for harvesting and replanting, ensuring a consistent income stream.
- Who
- Gurjeet Singh Mitthewalia, a farmer.
- What
- A farmer's transformation from traditional wheat-paddy farming to poplar cultivation.
- When
- Starting around 2018, with seven years of success.
- Where
- Machhiwara, Ludhiana, India
- Why
- To increase income, reduce environmental impact, and create a sustainable business model.
Traditional Farming
Poplar Farming
Financial and Environmental Sustainability
Traditional Farming
Lower Income, soil degradation, and environmental concerns.
Poplar Farming
Higher income, sustainable practices and environmental benefits.
- Annual Income
- ₹50 lakh
- Farm Size
- 16 acres (initially), expanded to over 21 acres
- Crop
- Poplar trees
- Sapling Varieties
- 109, 110, 111, 112, 113 and WSL-39
- Sapling Price
- Rs 25–40
- Tree Yield
- 3.5 quintals of wood per tree
- Income per acre (4 years)
- Rs 12 lakh