Optimization of Cropping Pattern in a Canal Command Area Using Fuzzy Programming Approach

Abstract

Optimal cropping pattern depends on water availability and other constraints like crop area, soil properties, use of fertilizer, and local socio-economic conditions. Availability of water depends upon various hydrological and climatological factors like rainfall in area, aquifer properties of the area, existing canal network in the area etc. Use of surface and groundwater conjunctively not only improve production but also help in sustainable water utilization. Benefit and production (yield) are the two most important objectives for optimal cropping pattern. Single objectives considering benefit and production are formulated and solved for nine scenarios. Single objective separately optimize benefit or production only. Single objective maximization of benefit/production does not guarantee maximization of production/benefit. Multi objectives optimization of benefit and production simultaneously give optimal solution incorporating benefit and production. In present paper multi objectives optimization problem is formulated and solved using fuzzy programming approach (FPA) with linear, exponential and hyperbolic membership functions. Results of different optimization techniques (single objective, multi objective) and different membership functions are discussed and compared.