Agricultural Economics

Agricultural Economics

Drought Crisis Management in the Direh Plain Through the Cultivation of Alternative Rapeseed Varieties

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
2 Associate Professors , Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
3 Agricultural Economics & Development Department, University of Payame Noor, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/iaes.2025.2061850.2127
Abstract
Water is a vital and increasingly scarce resource in agriculture, a challenge that has intensified in recent years due to declining rainfall. Efficient water resource management has therefore become essential for addressing sectoral constraints. Rapeseed cultivation has attracted growing attention owing to its relatively low water requirements and favorable agronomic characteristics. In particular, the adoption of improved agricultural practices and high-yielding varieties can significantly enhance rapeseed productivity.This study investigates drought crisis management through the cultivation of high-yielding rapeseed varieties under different water stress scenarios in the Direh Plain of Kermanshah Province. Data for the 2023 cropping season were collected through field visits to the Direh Agricultural Jihad Center in Gilan-e-Gharb County and interviews with local farmers. The results indicate that continued drought and reduced water availability are likely to shrink cropping patterns and decrease farmers' incomes. Modeling under various water stress scenarios suggests a shift in cropping patterns toward less water-intensive crops. Simulation and forecasting results further demonstrate that cultivating high-yielding rapeseed varieties such as Hayola and Trapper—can substantially reduce drought-related losses compared to current cropping practices.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 08 October 2025