Development of multi objective plan using fuzzytechnique for optimal cropping pattern incommand area of Aundha Minor irrigation project of Maharashtra State (India)

Abstract

In order to consider the importance of efficient and judicious use of available resources, a case study was undertaken to allocate the land under selected crops in command area of Aundha Minor irrigation project, of Maharashtra State, India so as to maximize the net benefit and production. A linear programming allocation model was formulated by considering the four objectives viz. (i) the maximization of net benefit, (ii) the maximization of total production, (iii) the maximization and minimization of labour employment and (iv) the minimization of investment subject to the constraints dealing with the crops, soil, land, individual crop area, food and nutrient requirement, fertilizer and labour availability, irrigation water release policy, area restriction on individual crops were considered. Irrigation efficiencies of 50, 60 and 70 % were considered, while fertilizer availability was considered at 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 times of present level along with unlimited availability. Single objective allocation model was developed by using Gam 205 package. Single objective alternate plan was worked out with the constraints of 1.5 times the present fertilizer availability and 60 % irrigation efficiency. The programme was verified by using Lindo package. Multi-objective allocation model was worked out using fuzzy technique to obtain a compromise alternate plan. As a whole compromised solution obtained under multi-objectives plan using fuzzy technique equally helps both the farming community and nation as a whole. In fact, the single objective net benefit optimization gave a benefit to the tune of Rs. 9665 ha-1 y-1, whereas the compromise solution by fuzzy technique gave better return to the tune of Rs. 10278 ha-1 y-1 as against existing benefit of Rs. 4310 ha-1 y-1. Farmers are advised to advocate the optimal cropping pattern obtained by multi-objective allocation model for better return. © 2009 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.