Optimization of Irrigation Water Utilization for Agricultural Production
Elgilany A. Ahmed *
School of Economics, Finance and Banking, College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, 06010 UUM Sintok, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia.
Hamid H. M. Faki
Agricultural Economics and Policy Research Center, Agricultural Research Corporation, Sudan, P. O. Box 30 Khartoum North, Shambat, Khartoum, Sudan.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Optimization of scarce resources use is critical in agriculture production of Sudan. Since resources are economical inputs, the aim should be when optimizing resources use to obtain maximum production per unit. In Sudan, the tenants have compiled numerous crops in order to maximize production in an attempt to improve home food security and income. The field crops in North Sudan are commonly produced under pump irrigation from the River Nile. Production of these crops in the district faces numerous constraints, including inefficiency of water use, low level of productivity and high cost of production. This research aims to optimize the use of available irrigation water in food (i.e. wheat) and cash crops (i.e. faba bean). Primary data were collected by using structured questionnaires randomly. General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS) by applying linear programming technique was used to assess the optimal combination of irrigation waterand other essential agricultural resources in field crops under study. The model revealed that tenants would get higher yield and returns by optimizing irrigation water and other resources use in food and cash crops production.Governments can seek to develop and stretching the modern irrigation systems for better management of water supply. Dissemination of irrigation water knowledge among the State farmers is needed to ensure the technical and economic irrigation water productivity as a tangible contribution to farm investment, returns, and food production.
Keywords: Optimization of Irrigation water, yield improvement.