Vol. 14, Issue 2 (2025)

The study introduced a novel approach by employing crop simulation modelling to explore resource optimization strategies. Various hypothetical scenarios were generated based on the model simulations, followed by an economic analysis to compare the costs and benefits of these scenarios against real-world conditions. The findings aim to provide recommendations for farmers, highlighting methods that are both economically viable and environmentally sustainable.

The study also evaluated the cost of cultivation, net returns, and the benefit-cost (B:C) ratio for the proposed scenarios. For flat sowing combined with furrow irrigation, the cost of cultivation was Rs. 54,422/ha, with a net return of Rs. 72,578/ha and a B:C ratio of 2.33. Ridge sowing with alternate furrow irrigation had a cultivation cost of Rs. 51,000/ha, yielding a net return of Rs. 91,000/ha and a B:C ratio of 2.78. Flat sowing with alternate furrow irrigation incurred a cultivation cost of Rs. 49,722/ha, with a net return of Rs. 75,178/ha and a B:C ratio of 2.51. For ridge sowing combined with furrow irrigation, the cultivation cost was Rs. 55,722/ha, generating a net return of Rs. 95,778/ha and a B:C ratio of 2.71. The B:C ratio for ridge sowing with alternate furrow found to be 2.78 was highest of all the suggested scenarios, suggesting that this will be the best situation for cultivation to get maximum benefits.