STEP Method of Multi Objective Programming: An Operational Research Tool for Efficient Resource Planning for Minor Irrigation Command

A multi objective mathematical programming models has been used to obtain a comprehensive development plan for the minor irrigation command area subject to limited availability of resources with base as Linear Programming model. The study was undertaken in Gunduraposi Minor Irrigation Project located in Dhenkanal district of Odisha. It was conducted with the objectives of maximising profit, production and minimising investment subject to constraints of land, water, fertilizer, labour, water requirement, nutritional and farmers affinity. The vegetable production of STEP model was increased by 25.16 and 21.23 per cent compared to production maximization and Net return maximization LP model, respectively. The suggested cropping pattern yielded maximum net contribution and minimum investment. It also ensured availability of crops to meet the minimum nutrient requirements of the population. In the recommended plan, the total net return increased from Rs.18.69 million to Rs.46.4 million.