Optimizing cultivation choices through the TOPSIS and conceptual models: Expert insights on agricultural practices

This study employs the TOPSIS model to assess and rank 54 crops in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran, based on their agricultural suitability. The analysis identifies sesame, sunflower, safflower, green cumin, and hemp as the top five crops. Among these, sesame holds the highest weight, ranging from 0....

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ehsan Abdolalizadeh, Hossein Bakhoda, Morteza Almassi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-09-01
Series:Environmental and Sustainability Indicators
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665972725002016
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Summary:This study employs the TOPSIS model to assess and rank 54 crops in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran, based on their agricultural suitability. The analysis identifies sesame, sunflower, safflower, green cumin, and hemp as the top five crops. Among these, sesame holds the highest weight, ranging from 0.591 to 0.794. Conversely, crops like artichoke and coriander rank lowest, indicating limited suitability for the current climate. The results emphasize the importance of selecting crops through a comprehensive evaluation of economic, environmental, technological, political, and social factors. These findings serve as a valuable resource for decision-makers, aiding targeted agricultural strategies and resource allocation. The goal is to improve the prospects of less favored crops. The conceptual model analysis reveals a structured ranking of indicators across various dimensions. Notably, environmental factors received the highest weight of 0.208, highlighting their critical role in agricultural planning. The analysis also shows that crops such as saffron, barley, and sesame generate significant profits. In contrast, crops like tomato and bell pepper produce no profit, indicating a need for diversification aligned with market demands. Additionally, the relationship between water usage and profitability remains stable. These insights provide a robust foundation for policymakers and regional planners to develop targeted strategies that promote sustainable agriculture, optimize resource allocation, and enhance economic resilience in West Azerbaijan Province.
ISSN:2665-9727