Management of Optimum Cropping Pattern of Crops in Mazandaran Province Using Goal Programming

Abstract
Due to importance of farm management, mathematical programming models plays an important role in determining the optimum cropping pattern. In this research, goal programming model was applied to optimize the cropping pattern in the five scenarios. The objectives of this study include maximizing gross margin (scenario one), environmental conservation (scenario two), increase in employment (scenario three), sustainable development of water resources (scenario four) and simultaneously achieve these goals (scenario five). Sampling method of this research is two-stage stratified sampling and 493 questionnaires has been completed from 19 counties in Mazandaran Province. The results show that the achievement of the objectives of economic, social and environmental simultaneously (scenario five) is the most appropriate model. The model of this scenario create reconciliation and balance between these goals and offers holistic advice for province cropping pattern which provide all objectives relatively by increase 4 percent in current gross margin, decrease 2.85 percent in fertilizer consumption, decrease 0.38 percent in pesticide consumption, increase 8.48 percent in employment and decrease 0.9987 percent in water consumption.

JEL Classification: C61, Q12, Q58

Keywords:
Optimum Cropping Pattern, Goal Programming, Sustainable Development, Mazandaran Province