Optimal Cropping Pattern For Dhanshiri Basin For Food Sustainability

Jahanur Rahman, Bibhash Sarma

The Dhanshiri basin is a south bank sub-basin of Brahmaputra basin. Major crop seasons are Kharif and Rabi having cropping intensity 90% and 25% respectively. The large difference of cropping intensities between the crop seasons results a vast area lying unused during Rabi season. The basin requires yearly production of food crops 508,383 MT against current production of 38,553 MT. This is due to disproportionate crop area distribution and as a result the basin has been suffering from food crisis for a long time. The basin can be food sustainable only by changing cropping pattern with limited land and water resources. Linear Programming (LP) model for maximization of economic benefit is used to suggest an optimal cropping pattern supported by ground water irrigation system, which satisfies the rice, protein and calorie requirements up to the year 2050; protects farmers’ affinity towards certain crops and market limitations of certain crops. The ground water availability for irrigation purpose is assessed and fed to the model as input.  Different cases are considered for the model to arrive at a logical decision.

https://dx.doi.org/10.31873/IJEAS.6.9.10