| Abstract: | In this paper we present an optimization model (using Linear Programming) for sustainable agriculture development in the Chellampatti block of Madurai District, Tamil Nadu, Southern India. The model is developed based on the availability of various energy sources in the block, and the requirements of various human and agricultural activities. The model optimizes the distribution of land for cultivating various crops based on the block's energy resources limitations and also to meet the minimum energy requirements of human beings and animals with regard to cereal, pulses, oil seeds, sugar, vegetables, fuel and feed. It is also suggested that the model can be modified to suit the local conditions so that it can have universal application for sustainable agriculture development. It is shown that, by applying the model, the revenue of the block through agriculture can be increased from the existing per hectare income of Rs 17600 to Rs 27 175⋅8 through proper planning, even without the import of cereals and external input energies like chemical fertilizers, diesel and machinery. The model takes care of the environment and the agro-ecosystem of the villages so that ecological balance is maintained. The model is solved by the HYPER LINDO software package in a PC-AT computer environment. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
