Shortage of timber fuels poplar rate surge in Yamunanagar

Poplar wood prices have surged by approximately Rs 100 per quintal over the past week, bringing much-needed relief and optimism to farmers in the Yamunanagar region. This price hike is attributed to a reduced supply of raw poplar wood in local wood markets.

‘Industry in crisis’

The plywood industry in Yamunanagar primarily depends on timber supplies from UP. With this supply dwindling, the business in the district has been severely affected.

— Anil Kumar Garg, member, Haryana Plywood Manufacturers Assn

Currently, poplar wood is being sold between Rs 1,300 and Rs 1,550 per quintal in the wood markets (lakkar mandis) of Yamunanagar and Jagadhri, compared to Rs 1,200-Rs 1,450 per quintal last week.

“There are two main reasons behind the increase in poplar rates. First, farmers have sown wheat in their fields, making it difficult to harvest poplar from these areas. Second, a significant number of plywood factories have been established in Uttar Pradesh, with many farmers now supplying their poplar to these factories,” said Vijay Kumar, a timber arhtiya.

He added that previously, farmers from Uttar Pradesh catered to about 80% of the Yamunanagar industry’s demand. The increase in prices has encouraged local farmers, who see this as an opportunity to improve their financial situation and expand poplar cultivation. “The hike in poplar wood rates is beneficial for farmers. It will help improve their financial conditions and encourage them to grow more poplar trees,” said Bhushan Shastri, a farmer from Begampur village.

Yamunanagar is considered the hub of poplar cultivation in Haryana, with farmers growing poplar alongside crops like sugarcane and wheat. However, the shortage of poplar wood has also impacted the local plywood industry.

“The plywood industry in Yamunanagar is in crisis due to the non-availability of sufficient quantities of poplar and eucalyptus wood. This industry primarily depended on timber supplies from Uttar Pradesh. With this supply dwindling, the plywood business in the district has been severely affected,” said Anil Kumar Garg, a senior member of the Haryana Plywood Manufacturers Association.

Despite the challenges for the plywood industry, the price hike has brought a positive outlook for farmers, providing a boost to poplar cultivation in

the region.