A linear programming model was formulated to suggest the optimal cropping pattern for surface irrigation in a command area. The objective of the model was to achieve the maximum net benefits. The objective function of the model was subjected to the constraints viz., the total available water and land during different irrigation periods. The model was applied to the command area of Direct minor no. 3 of the Mula Irrigation Project, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra for different proportions of the total command area of minor no. 3. The model gave the optimal cropping pattern for 431.7 ha of command area having water availability of 171280 m3 during the “ON” period (7 days) of canal rotation for 60% proportion. The net return from the optimal cropping plan was 50.68 Million Rs. The optimal cropping pattern includes allocation of 25.9 ha area for papaya, 25.90 ha for sugarcane, 96.4 ha for Rabi tomato, 6.17 ha for Rabi onion, 78.35 ha for Kharif brinjal, 2.98 ha for cabbage, 55.03 ha for summer brinjal and 12.88 ha for summer onion.
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