R. Raja et al., ENERGY PLANNING AND OPTIMIZATION MODEL FOR RURAL-DEVELOPMENT - A CASEOF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE, International journal of energy research, 21(6), 1997, pp. 527-547
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.