Optimization Model for Agricultural Machinery Selection in Elsuki Agricultural Scheme Using linear Programming

Abstract

An optimization machinery model was developed to aid decision-makers and farm machinery managers in determining the optimal number of tractors, scheduling the agricultural operations and minimizing machinery total costs. For purpose of model verification, validation and application input data was collected from primary & secondary sources from Elsuki Agricultural Scheme for season 2013-2014. Model verification was made by comparing the numbers of tractors available at Elsuki Agricultural Scheme for season 2011-2012 with those estimated by the model. The model succeeded in reducing the number of tractors and operation total cost by 23%. The effect of optimization model on elements of direct cost saving indicated that the highest reduction in cost is reached with depreciation, repair and maintenance (23%), minimum reduction cost is attained with fuel cost (22%). Sensitivity analysis in terms of model response to change in model input for a single parameter for each of cultivated area and total costs of operation showing that. Increasing the operation total cost by 10% decreased the total number of tractors after optimization by 23% and total cost of operation was also decreased by 23%. Increasing the cultivated area by 10%, decreased by 12% (from 123 to 108 tractors) and total cost of operation was also decreased by 12% (16669206SDG) to (14636376SDG). For the case of multiple input effect; increase of the area and operation total cost resulted in decrease of maximum number of tractors by 12%, and the total cost of operations also decreased by 12%. It is recommended to apply the optimization model as pre-requisite for improving machinery management during implementation of machinery scheduling.