Modeling crop cultivation pattern based on virtual water trade: evidence from Marvdasht in southern Iran

ABSTRACT This study aims to model optimal cultivation pattern based on the maximization of importing virtual water and social net income of major crops in Marvdasht, Iran. For this purpose, a linear programming model was developed considering constraints of virtual water and land limitations followed by other models to include employment restrictions. Based on the findings, wheat and tomato were recognized as optimal products for the region. Regarding the virtual water imports, wheat has an advantage over tomato while  the production of tomato needs a relatively considerable number of workers which leads to the improvement of employment in the studied areas.