Introduction Status of Intercropping in Poplar Based Agroforestry in India Sanjeev K. Chauhan, R. Sharma and W.S. Dhillon* Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, *Department of Fruit Sciences Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana - 141 004 I ndia has made heavy investment and growth in agricultural sector. There has been tremendous increase in production area and productivity of food grains, which however, has not come without negative impact on ecology, thus, affecting the generations to come. The mankind is facing a huge challenge of meeting its basic needs of food, shelter, etc. on the one hand and conservation of natural resource on the other hand. The use of agrochemicals in agriculture crop production promised food security, but at the cost of polluting air, soil and water resources. The loss of forest land, for human habitation, developmental activities and intensive agriculture resulted in ecological imbalance. Further, the crucial support systems like soil health, air and water quality, groundwater recharge, natural control of pests, etc. are diminishing. Therefore, need has been realized to conserve the natural resources and protect the deteriorating environment so that the much needed growth in agriculture is maintained sustainably. Agroforestry is a land use system, which contributes pragmatically in all these spheres to materialize the desired goals. The unmatchable advantages and implications of this land use system have precipitated the recent concerned interest in agroforestry all around including India. Agroforestry offers not only a sustained productivity, but also its sustainability over the longer period. It buffers against the vagaries of climate through its unique way of amelioration of microclimate and reshapes the agro-ecosystem with enhanced stability and resilience. Global warming and associated problems of climate change have pressed the need for land use system that are more dependable in production and more sustainable in terms of resource conservation to ensure food security (Nair, 1991; Sanchez, 1995; Singh, 1999; Lal, 2004; Srinidhi et al., 2007). The theme of agroforestry centered around sustainability in terms of economics (productivity and profitability), ecology (environmental and resource conservation) and social issues (food security, health and safety) that make it an unparallel land use system (Pandey, 2007). The current interest in agroforestry in India has transformed the land-use system in terms of economic sustainability. Introduction of trees on farm land has not only benefited farmers but generated employment in different sectors; i.e., on-farm (nursery to harvesting of trees), wood based industries, transportation, trading, etc. and provided the wood products at affordable prices. Poplar (Populus deltoides) based agroforestry systems, adopted extensively by the farmers on a commercial scale, will play a significant role to meet the economic, social and environmental concerns of the people Forestry Bulletin, 12(1), 2012 49