Saplings of poplar tree will be given free of cost to farmers in Punjab to encourage them to grow the tree as part of the state's crop diversification programme.
In the initial stage, Doaba, Majha and Bisat regions have been identified to encourage farmers to undertake poplar plantation as these plants were ecologically most suitable, Forests Minister Chunni Lal Bhagat said today.
He said the forest department will provide free saplings in all district headquarters on a first-come, first-served basis.
He also said the land covered under poplar plantation will be exempted from all forest laws and farmers will remain the sole owner of wood.
