Optimal cropping pattern for a tail-end distributary canal of Bhadra command area using linear programming model

• Published in: Modeling earth systems and environment 2022-09, Vol.8 (3), p.3897-3906
• Main Authors: Kumar, S. B. Ganesh, Ramesh, B. R., Surendra, H. J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemistry and Earth Sciences; Computer Science; Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Earth System Sciences; Ecosystems; Environment; Math. Appl. in Environmental Science; Mathematical Applications in the Physical Sciences; Original Article; Physics; Statistics for Engineering
• ISSN: 2363-6203; 2363-6211
• DOI: 10.1007/s40808-021-01338-7

Agriculture has a major role in the Indian economy. More than 50% population depends on agriculture for livelihood. It is observed that there is a significant difference in farmer preference and the notified cropping pattern by the department in most of the command area. Farmer prefers to grow wet crops/profitable crops. There is a mismatch between demand and supply for notified cropping. To bridge the gap between these two, there is a need for designing of cropping pattern considering the available water in the canal. The present study uses a linear programming model for cropping pattern suggestion considering the rotational policy followed in the canal system. This model considers constraints like area availability, water availability, farmer preference, and soil suitability to design a cropping pattern to maximize the net returns. Conclusions were drawn about the possible cropping pattern in the command area depending on water demand against the notified crops and their corresponding economic benefits. This paper also suggests cropping pattern for deficit supply to the canal system in the range of 100% to 50% for the rotation period.