Methodology for Optimizing Design of Integrated Tank Irrigation System

Abstract

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