Optimizing the Winter Cropping Pattern in the River Nile State

Abstract

The River Nile State contributes significantly to the supply of the country needs of food legumes. Broad bean, chick pea and lentil are the main commercial winter crops produced in the State. Production is hindered by the costs of inputs, especially of water which is pumped from the Nile or from underground. Credit is also scarce. The objective of this study was to investigate the optimum cropping pattern that maximizes profits, given the set of constraints facing crop production. A linear programming model was formulated to realize the objective. Different scenarios were tested to see their impact on farmer's income and crop mix. The analysis revealed that the present cropping pattern is not optimal, especially in the light of the present price liberalization policy. Net farm income could have been greatly improved if the resources, especially credit, irrigation water and land, are unconstrained