Model of Optimal and Sustainable use of Water Resources in Agricultural Sector (case study of Hamedan- Kabodarahang Plain)

Looking back into the past shows that Iran has always been faced with water shortages, and this has not been a problem confined to a certain period or generation. Therefore, proper attention to optimal use of water resources and a move towards sustainable use of extant water resources is indispensable. In this study, using multi period mathematical programming model, the effects of the two goals of: water resource sustainability as well as optimization of multi period use on cultivation pattern, for the next five periods for Hamedan- Kabodarahang Plain, have been investigated. Results show that using modern irrigation methods can greatly solve the problems of water resources shortages and provide the water required for cultivation of the irrigated lands in the region. Also results indicate that, That application of modern irrigation methods can increase present value of revenues as well as return to water resources in all the models. In addition, water resources are indicated as the most restrictive production factor in the study region, with the value of this input, in the added-value maximization models, always being estimated as greater than that in the gross income maximization models.