Optimizing cropping pattern through reducing environmental issues and improving socio-economic indicators

A balanced relationship between the economic, social, and environmental aspects of agricultural production is required in order to maintain sustainability, given the worries about the widespread depletion of finite resources in many parts of the world. In this study, a sustainable cropping pattern (CP) was provided by developing a multi-objective function that maximizes profit while minimizing environmental problems and raising social indicators. Life cycle assessment (LCA) and an economic security index (ESI) were used, respectively, to examine the environmental impacts and economic performance of CP. Utilizing indices including social solidarity, social security, participation, and quality of life, the social consequences were assessed. A thorough questionnaire given to farmers and experts as well as government records like statistical books were used to collect the essential data. Broad beans received the least attention from farmers, and their top five priority crops were watermelon, cucumber, clover, rice, and beans, respectively. Melon, garlic, cucumber, tomato, and corn were the best crops based on all environmental parameters, whereas tobacco was the least suited. The lowest and highest ESI were associated to cotton (0.034) and cucumber (0.208). Potato, rice, cucumber, garlic, beans, and tomato profited more than $1000 per ha, while soybean, wheat, corn, barley, clover, and cotton profited less than $500 per ha. Attaining sustainable agriculture in the region requires a 15.20% reduction in cultivated area, which results in a 13.36% fall in gross profit and a 14.53% and 14.70% decrease in water and chemical fertilizer usage, respectively. By sustaining CP, the model created for this study can help decrease social conflict while generating a synergy between economic and environmental benefits.