Optimizing Patterns for Cultivating Agricultural Products toward Sustainable Development (Case Study: Sahl-Abad Plain)

Agriculture has a fundamental role in societies. The unique performance of this section of economic is the reason for strict attention to sustainable development in agriculture. Achieving this important matter needs various programs and policies which include optimizing and organizing patterns for cultivating agricultural products as a fundamental action for sustainable development in agriculture. Located in Nehbandan, Sahl-Abad Plain is one of the geographical regions in east part of the country which has severe restrictions for human and natural environment. By using goal programming model, in this study we tried to present optimized patterns for cultivating agricultural products in Sahl-Abad plain emphasizing on economic efficiency of natural basics for production such as water. This study is an applied research. For data collection, we used documentary research and fieldwork. A sample size of 250 producers living in 28 villages in Sahl-Abad plain was studied. Data analysis together with presenting patterns for cultivation has been done by cluster analysis and calculating functions of goal programming model or multiple goals. the results show that cultivating millet by current pattern is not economically or environmentally affordable. In this context, economic goals have priority to environmental goals too. The optimized pattern which is presented in both structures of goal programming and also in all groups leads to decrease in consumption of measures of production limiting agents. Research limitation: Lack of up to date statistics of production costs in agriculture section especially farming in studied regions. Practical implications: Field visits and completing questionnaires about costs/ income survey for agricultural products.Original/value: the special characteristic of this study is that it presents optimized pattern for cultivating agricultural products for a region that is fragile and vulnerable environmentally and the results of this study could be used by programmers.