Determining the Optimal Cropping Pattern Based on Virtual Water Concept and Economic Profitability for Water Crisis Prevention: A Case Study of Kashan Plain, Isfahan Province, Iran

In order to reduce pressure on water resources in Kashan plain which faces with water crisis, optimal cropping pattern was determined based on profitability of virtual water. Information of cultivation and production for 13 main agricultural products in Kashan were used and crops water requirement were determined based on gathered information from local farmers using OPTIWAT software. Revenue per 1m3 virtual water were determined for each crops based on total proceeds and total consumed virtual water. Results showed that virtual water profitability from highest to lowest is related to melon, cucumber, tomato, pomegranate, cantaloupe, eggplant, bean, pistachio, onions, watermelon, oat, cotton and wheat respectively. Therefore in order to integrated management of water resources and reduce water consumption in agriculture of this region, it is suggested that most of agricultural lands be allocated to crops with high profitability for consumed virtual water such as melons, cucumbers, tomatoes, cantaloupe, pomegranate and basic crops with low profitability like wheat and oat be imported from neighbour exporter provinces like Markazi and Fars.