Optimization of Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Orange Production Using Data Envelopment Analysis and Genetic Algorithms (Case Study: Dezful Province)

Saving on inputs, preservation of fossil fuels and decreasing air pollution are the advantages to using energy efficiently.  The purpose of this study was to optimize energy inputs and greenhouse gas emissions of orange product in Dezful County, with two methods of data envelopment analysis and multi-objective genetic algorithm optimization techniques.

 Data from 60 farmers were randomly collected through face-to-face interviews and a questionnaire during the year 2016 and using two methods of data envelopment analysis and multi-objective genetic algorithm were analyzed.

Regarding the results of data envelopment analysis technique based on fixed and variable return scale models and input-axis measurement, technical efficiency, net technical efficiency and scale efficiency were calculated to be 0.95, 0.98 and 97%. The results of optimization of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by using data envelopment analysis showed that about 4.36% of orange energy has storage potential, that chemical fertilizers and diesel fuel have the highest amount of stored energy of all stored energy. Data envelopment analysis can reduce 34.38 kg of carbon dioxide per hectare from greenhouse gas emissions in orange crops. The results of the genetic algorithm showed that if all inputs were completely optimized, it could reduce the energy consumption of orange production in the study area by 26.1%. Also, the energy input for ideal orange production system could be 32810.6 MJ per ha.

According to the results of this study, it is recommended to use of new machines and encourage farmers to conduct soil tests before using of fertilizer.