Intuitionistic Fuzzy Multi-objective Optimization Method for Determination of Optimal Cropping Pattern

Abstract

Agriculture has become a difficult occupation due to inadequate farming resources and cultivation risks. Thus, proficient utilization of resources alongside risk-alleviation strategies is essential aspect to realize sustainable farm benefits. Most of the earlier studies have reported the capability of operations research in solving agricultural problems and enhancing farm productivity. However, they have not addressed effectively the distinctive nature of decision-makers, uncertainties, and associated risks of agriculture. This study mainly aims to fill these lacunae by applying an intuitionistic fuzzyoptimization method todetermineoptimal cropping pattern that maximizes overall net benefits, minimizing cultivation costs and workforce concurrently with regard to procurable agricultural resources. For this purpose, an effective multi-objective optimization method is formulated, and its effectiveness is verified through proof and numerical example. The comparison between existing and proposed cropping patterns showed that the proposed patterns offer several advantages in enhancing overall agricultural benefits sustainably for farmers in the study area.