A multiobjective fuzzy linear programming model for sustainable integrated operation of a multireservoir system

Abstract

AbstractIrrigated agriculture is the largest consumer of water, with high significance in India as the majority of its people depend on it. Rainfall uncertainties, and uneven distribution of utilizable water over space and time, have presented a serious challenge to irrigation water management and crop production. Surface water reservoirs play a major role in supplying irrigation water and also addressing uneven water distribution to some degree. Varying water requirements for different crops under multiple canals, however, requires that planners develop an optimal crop planning for the efficient operation of a multireservoir irrigation system. The spatial and temporal water transfer within a multireservoir irrigation system necessitates integrated operation of all the involved reservoirs. Thus, integrated operation of a multireservoir system is a fundamental requirement for efficient irrigation water management, and also become a key issue for sustainable agricultural development. This study derived an optimal crop plan for the integrated operation of a complex multireservoir system with intrabasin water transfer, using a multiobjective fuzzy linear programming (MOFLP) approach. The MOFLP model resulted in a level of satisfaction of 0.46, with an irrigation intensity of 102.18%, and a total crop area of 149 232.10 ha. The optimal policies were furthermore assessed with various statistical indicators with a simulation model, indicating they are performing well, with high reliability and resilience for longer periods.