Determining optimum cropping pattern using Fuzzy Goal Programming (FGP) model

Abstract

Efficient management of the agricultural resources is becoming the key issue to feed the increasing population from the limited resources. The purpose of this study was to find the optimal cropping pattern, in Bardsir region of Kerman-Iran, which maximizes the crop production and net return, and minimizes the employing of labor, water and machinery inputs. A Fuzzy Goal Programming (FGP) model was applied and compared with goal programming (GP) and linear programming (LP) models. The results of optimization based on LP model suggested that total area of land (22620 ha) should be allocated to wheat (4639.01 ha), maize (10238.04 ha) and potato (3884.21 ha). The GP model optimization suggested that total area should be allocated to wheat (5943.18 ha), maize (3720.36 ha), sugar beet (4313.88 ha) and potato (4600.45 ha). Also, FGP model optimization indicated that total area should be allocated to wheat (9341.40 ha), maize (10607.42 ha) and potato (2562.24 ha). Finally, results indicated that the cropping pattern of FGP was found to be the best and gave maximum net return. Key words: Cropping pattern, goal programming, linear programming, fuzzy goal programming, Bardsir regions, net return.