Determining the Cropping Pattern Consistent with Sustainable Agriculture by Multi Linear Fractional Programming Approach (Case Study: Ardebil County)

The agricultural sector plays an important role in the national economy, employment and food security of various communities. During recent decades, population increasing growth and the need to food security increased pressure on natural resources especially in developing countries. Therefore, it is necessary to use the resources of production in this sector in the best way possible, while reducing the consumption of these resources, the profit and welfare of farmers also will increase. Therefore in this study, the optimal cropping pattern consistent with sustainable agriculture with cross section data of year 1394-1395 and using multi objective fractional programming approach in Ardebil county determined and compared with present cropping pattern. The required data were collected from statistical yearbook of agriculture organization. The results indicated that in order to achieve some sustainability goals such as reducing the use of chemical and water inputs, it is necessary to exclude part of gross income from total agricultural production in the short term. However, taking into account the many indirect costs that non-compliance with the principles of sustainability affects society and the agricultural environment, this reduction in the gross income of farmers can be justified.