Maximization of Net Returns for Upper Indravati Irrigation Project Using Goal Programming Approach

Efficient management of the agricultural resources is becoming the key issue to feed the increasing population from limited resources. In this context, irrigation planning has gained much significance due to fast growing population and increasing demand for the existing population of the command area. For this purpose, studies on optimization of cropping pattern with available land and water are essential to be carried out under a set of limitations to maximize the crop production to satisfy the requirements for the existing population and to achieve the maximum net return for the project. Three different cropping patterns of goal programming (GP) approach were adopted in this paper for optimization of cropping pattern with available land and water for maximization of net return for Upper Indravati Irrigation Project. The factors like net return, total cropping intensity and average water utilised by different cropping patterns of GP were considered for the selection of best cropping pattern for maximization of net return of the project.