METHODOLOGY FOR OPTIMIZING DESIGN OF INTEGRATED TANK IRRIGATION SYSTEM

Tank irrigation has been in existence for centuries. However, optimiza tion of the tank irrigation system is of recent origin. Even this has been attempted in piecemeal, optimizing every segment/aspect of the ir rigation system individually. Thus, although each component may be opt imal, the system as a whole may not be optimal. This paper presents a methodology to optimize the design of the tank irrigation system by ta king into account the constraints, objectives, options of the location , conveyance and application methods, crops and their irrigation level s, productivity, demand of the population dependent upon that area in terms of amount of foodgrains, pulses, oilseeds, nutrients, and the av ailability of different inputs to achieve an optimal design of all com ponents of the system.