Optimal Operation Scheduling of Irrigation Canals Using Genetic Algorithm

Canal scheduling is an important activity that significantly influences production of crops compared to other aspects of agriculture. Irrigation canal scheduling is the activity of preparing an optimal schedule of outlets on supply canal as per need of user, subject to canal system constraints. In this paper, the problem of optimal operational scheduling of irrigation canal with provision to open some outlet at specific time slot as per request of user using Genetic Algorithm is presented. The optimal operational schedule obtained with Genetic Algorithm approach is compared with previously published operational schedule for the Famen secondary canal of Feng-Jia-Shan Irrigation District, China, obtained using integer programming. The result shows that Genetic Algorithm approach gives sufficient flexibility in decision making regarding the group formation of various outlets. It is an efficient tool for irrigation manager to prepare optimal schedule of irrigation canals as per time slot demanded by users.