Abstract:
Linear programming model is deemed a pragmatic approach for the estimation of
crop acreage, productivity and profit. An investigation was carried out to assess the optimum cropping
pattern of mixed cropping zone of Punjab, Pakistan during year 2011. After collection of data, 180
farmers were categorized into three main categories according to the land holding i.e. small land
holders (< 5 acre), medium land holders (>5 or ≤10 acre), and large land holders (>10 acre). Optimal
solution after the study depicted that if a farmer increased the wheat, cotton and maize area and
decreased the area of rice, sugarcane, Rabi and Kharif fodder then he might obtain more profit in
contrast to existing cropping pattern. Linear programming model suggested an increase of 1.04%, 1.10
and 1.07% profit over existing cropping pattern. It may be concluded that, profit can be enhanced by
increasing area under wheat, cotton and maize and decreasing the area under rice, sugarcane, Rabi and
Kharif fodders. Moreover, profit margins, productivity and sustainability of cropping system can be
achieved by using resource saving techniques like direct seeding of rice, zero tillage of wheat and
inclusion of green manuring crops.
