A Mixed-Integer Linear Programming Model for Vegetables Harvest Planning: A Case Study of a Small Farmer

Panuchit Saisema; Apichai Ritvirool

Authors

Panuchit Saisema Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
Apichai Ritvirool Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand

Keywords:

Harvest Planning, Mixed-Integer Linear Programming, Vegetables

Abstract

Harvest planning of various vegetables in response to consumer demand is a complex decision making process that may cause difficulties to farmers. This is due to the fact that several factors are related to vegetable plantations such as the growing period, starting and ending times for harvesting as well as harvested volume. A farmer usually plans the vegetable harvesting with his own experience without using any tool for effective planning, resulting in turn in the losses of sales opportunity. To alleviate such a problem, mixed-Integer linear programming (MILP) model has been developed to use as a decision supporting tool for harvest planning and to minimize the total cost. The results showed that the total cost from using the MILP model had reduced by 43.43% compared with that incurred by farmer’s own operations.

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