Optimization methods are designed to provide the ‘best’ values of system designand operating policy variables – values that will lead to the highest levels of system performance. These methods, combined with more detailed and accurate simulation methods, are the primary ways we have, short of actually building physical models, of estimating the likely impacts of particular water resources system designs and operating policies. Many of the optimization methods used in practice incorporates concepts from engineering economics. Hirakud command area is served by three canal systemsnamely Sambalpur distribrutary, Bargarh Main canal, and Sason main canal. The study highlights the advantages of using ADV flow tracker for accurate measurement of discharge,along the use of CROPWAT software to find out the crops water requirements of different crops.Genetic Algorithmoptimizationis used to select a suitable cropping pattern. It is found that as per the present practice of cultivation the farmers are getting a net benefit of Rs.320lakhsonly over the command area that can be enhanced to Rs 537.5.0 lakhs in Indian currency by adopting thecropping pattern suggested in this study.
