ENERGY PLANNING AND OPTIMIZATION MODEL FOR RURAL-DEVELOPMENT - A CASEOF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

In this paper we present an optimization model (using Linear Programmi ng) for sustainable agriculture development in the Chellampatti block of Madurai District, Tamil Nadu, Southern India. The model is develope d based on the availability of various energy sources in the block, an d the requirements of various human and agricultural activities. The m odel optimizes the distribution of land for cultivating various crops based on the block's energy resources limitations and also to meet the minimum energy requirements of human beings and animals with regard t o cereal, pulses, oil seeds, sugar, vegetables, fuel and feed. It is a lso suggested that the model can be modified to suit the local conditi ons so that it can have universal application for sustainable agricult ure development. It is shown that, by applying the model, the revenue of the block through agriculture can be increased from the existing pe r hectare income of Rs 17 600 to Rs 27 175.8 through proper planning, even without the import of cereals and external input energies like ch emical fertilizers, diesel and machinery. The model takes care of the environment and the agro-ecosystem of the villages so that ecological balance is maintained. The model is solved by the HYPER LINDO software package in a PC-AT computer environment. (C) 1997 by John Wiley & Son s, Ltd.