Use of Zimmermann Multi Objective Fuzzy Linear Programming model to identify best areas of rice growing in the Dry and Intermediate zones in Sri Lanka

Use of Zimmermann Multi Objective Fuzzy Linear Programming (MOFLP) model to develop recommendations to increase rice production in Sri Lanka has been studied. Low country Dry zone and Intermediate zones of Sri Lanka are the most favorable Agro-ecological zones of Sri Lanka for rice production. Study locations were centered in these areas. Average yield, Gross income, Total cost, Average quantity of fertilizer, Land area cultivated by the farmer, Requirement of labour, Labour availability, Requirement of machinery and Machinery availability were used as the input data for the model. The model had identified that further increase in yield can be achieved with the use of optimum fertilizer, labour and machinery, in areas which already use high yielding varieties. The Zimmermann MOFLP model had been used in this study. The study had shown that this model can be successfully used in the management of Tropical Agricultural Systems, where vagueness is extremely high.