Optimal crop planning for a region in India by conjunctive use of surface and groundwater

Optimal crop planning through the conjunctive use of surface and groundwater is necessary for the development of the agriculture‐based Indian economy. In the present study a linear programming model was used to arrive at the optimal cropping pattern of a typical region between the Yamuna river and Eastern Yamuna canal. The optimal monthly allocation of canal and groundwater supplies was also determined. A sensitivity analysis was conducted upon the most important variables, namely, crop area, net individual benefit from various crops, canal and groundwater supplies, and their operation and maintenance costs.