Determining optimal cropping pattern and derivation of normative demand function of water (Case study: Kazeroun region)

       The main objective of the present study is to determine the optimal cropping patterns in Kazeroun region located in Fars Province for farms of less than five hectares in 2004. In this study both the optimal allocation of water and the normative demand shape are under considerations. In order to obtain the optimal combination of competing crops, linear programming model (LP) was applied using LINDO software. In this study calibrated and classical optimal models were used to compare the relative profitability of optimal solutions. Using sensitive analysis, the normative demand schedule of water, a step-wise relationship between per unit price of water and level of water consumption were examined. Results showed that the farmers do not utilize optimally the existing limited resources. The results also showed that water is the main constrain of production in the region and the shadow price of the spring water is 523 Rials