Investigating Replacement of Citrus Cultivation with Piyarom Dates from the Perspective of Water Consumption and Economic Evaluation in QiroKarzin Region of Fars Province

Under water scarcity and drought conditions, proper irrigation methods and suitable cropping pattern are among the priorities of agricultural studies. In this research cropping pattern modification of Citrus gardens to Piyarom dates are investigated by evaluating economic benefits and water productivity, considering cases of water scarcity and sufficient water in QiroKarzin region of Fars province. Water productivity of Piyarom dates and citrus under water scarcity condition were respectively 22% higher and 16% lower than those obtained in sufficient water condition. Results also indicated that in large gardens of the study area for both water scarcity and sufficient water conditions, replacement of part or all of citrus orchards with Piyarom dates would be beneficial, based on the ratio of profit to cost and net profit per volume of water consumed and also the amount of water consumption. However, in small gardens under water scarcity condition, Piyarom dates cultivation and under sufficient water condition, citrus cultivation would be the appropriate alternatives.