Optimization of Cropping Patterns at Basin Level by Considering Social Profit and Net Virtual Water Import: A Case Study of Khorasan District

The objective of this study is to introduce an approach for determination of comparative advantage of Basins in the production of crops, enhancing water use efficiency and directing cropping patterns to maximize net virtual water import. A model was constructed and applied assuming five different risks in available water and three levels of irrigation efficiencies (35, 45, and 65). The findings showed that, it is possible to direct optimal cropping pattern at basin level to maximize social profit, water use efficiency and net virtual water import simultaneously. However, in order to derive a definite conclusion, more data are needed about the quantity water embedded in each crop exported from and imported to each country. Moreover, it is necessary to design a suitable export-import plan to be used as a target for directing cropping patterns toward it. The approach used in this study can be viewed as a first step in this direction.