OPTIMAL CROP PLANNING FOR BHAINTAN WATERSHED, TEHRI GARHWAL

Abstract

The iiajority of the popul -'tion in the hills depend on Agriculture for their livelihood, yet their economic condition is poor due to poor yields and less returns from crops. This study was undertaken for Bhaintsn watershed, a mountainous area situated near FakoL in Tehri Garhwal d:is tric is of 'Uttar Pradesh. The watershed with an area of 37Cha. was inhabited by 94 farm families with a populatio: of 660 in 19a6. The land, water, FYjYI, minimum foodgrains, maximum and minimum area constraints were imposed in ten crop plans to maximise net returns at three levels; (i) with existing crop yields in the tr2di-tional cropping pattern (ii) improved crap yields with traditional cropping pattern (iii) improved crop yields with improved cropping pattern. In two more plans only land and water constraints wore imposed. Irrigation water availability was considered for e duratior. of 10 and 7 days respecLively. These plan; were considered for the population in the year 1986 and 2000 A.D. respectively. A linear programming system analysis approach was used. In all 17 crop activities were considered.