Development of an Optimized Cropping Pattern Model Using Analytical Hierarchy Process

The present study was carried out for developing and evaluating of the optimization model of cropping pattern in irrigation networks using analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The model was programmed into two sub-models. The objective of the first sub-model was ranking of crop appropriately, and the objective of the second sub-model was ranking of cropping area of each crop. Ten criteria, affecting crop type suitability, and nine criteria, affecting cropping area, were analyzed. The weight of criteria was determined base on the field investigation and the results of 30 completed questionnaires by local irrigation expert and farmers. The proposed model was run and evaluated in Varamin irrigation network. The evaluations showed that water volume and evapotranspiration criteria are more important than others in the determination of crop suitability. Also, global decisions on agricultural sector and water availability are the most important parameters in selecting cropping area. The results indicated that the AHP model has determined the crop type and cropping area ranks with high accuracy. Hence, the model may be recommended as a practical tool in evaluation of quantitative and qualitative effective factors of cropping pattern and in determination of crop type and cropping area in irrigation networks.