Optimal Cropping Pattern for Water Resources Management in Sistan Region of Iran using Goal Programming Method

The optimal cropping pattern for Sistan water resources management was determined through a goal programming technique within the GAMS programming environment. Results showed that the optimum cultivation area and net profit of the agricultural sector in the Sistan region could increase up to ۱۸.۱ and ۳۹.۸%, respectively, compared to the current status. An increase in the farm irrigation efficiency from the current ۳۵ to ۵۵% would increase the net profit of the agricultural sector by ۴۹.۷% despite ۶.۴% reduction in water consumption. At the same time, ۲۰% increase in the efficiency of water delivery system to farmlands would lead to ۸.۲ and ۱۷.۲% increases in the cultivation area and net profit, respectively. The results of combining these two management scenarios indicated that farming net profit would increase by ۶۴.۳%, while total water consumption in agricultural sector would decrease by ۲.۳%. Under wet condition, cultivated area and net profit would respectively increase about ۳۲ and ۴۴%. However, upon drought years, the cultivated area and net profit would experience ۸۶.۹ and ۸۷.۳% loss, respectively.

Keywords:

Agricultural management , Goal programming , Optimal cropping pattern , Sistan