Optimal irrigated cropping pattern of a multicrop system under water scarcity constraints

T h s paper develops a dynamic programming optimisation model, that consider the competition of crops in a season, both for irrigation water and cultivated area. Decision variables are the cultivated area and water allocated to each crop. The objective function of the model is based on crop-water production functions, production costs and crop prices. The model is solved using CSUDP generalised dynamic programming package for conditions existing in Northern Tunisia where a large fraction of the irrigation water is stored in the reservoir mainly during the winter period. The model gives the optimal distribution of area and water to each crop and profit. Results indicate that the model can be a valuable tool in determining seasonal cropping pattern for a region at the beginning of the season.