When to perform cloud seeding for maximum agricultural crop yields? A modeling study

Purpose Agricultural crops play a crucial role in food security and require commensurating environmental conditions, including adequate rainfall to ensure optimum growth. However, in the recent past, a reduction in the agriculture crop yield has been observed due to the deteriorating rainfall pattern. This paper aims to present a novel mathematical model to analyze the impact of rainfall on the growth of agriculture crops, as well as the impact of cloud seeding for promoting the rainfall, in case of less rainfall to ensure the optimum growth of agriculture crops. Design/methodology/approach The authors formulate a mathematical model assuming that the growth of agriculture crops wholly depends on rainfall. Also, agricultural crops can sustain and give optimal yields at a threshold of rainfall, after which rainfall negatively affects the growth rate of agriculture crops. Further, if the agriculture crops get insufficient rain to grow, the authors assume that cloud seeding agents are introduced in the regional atmosphere in proportion to the density of cloud droplets to increase rainfall. Findings This research shows that while cloud seeding agents boost crop yield, excessive rainfall poses significant risks on the yield. For any given value of π1 (conversion of cloud droplets into raindrops because of introduced cloud seeding agents), we have identified the threshold value of ϕ (introduction rate of cloud seeding agents into clouds) where crop yield can be maximized. Research limitations/implications This model highlights the delicate balance between rainfall and cloud seeding, offering policymakers valuable insights for maximizing agricultural crop yields. Originality/value This research provides strategies to mitigate crop loss due to unpredictable rainfall patterns.