Analyzing Water Conservation Policies in the Agricultural Sector With an Emphasis on Conflict Resolution Objectives: Integrating NSGA‐II and AHP‐Weighted TOPSIS

ABSTRACT This study presents an integrated NSGA‐II–AHP–TOPSIS framework to optimize cropping patterns and assess water conservation strategies in Iran's water‐scarce Dasht‐e‐Azadegan plain. Eight conflicting objectives—maximizing profit, labour, energy and manure use, while minimizing water, pesticide, fertiliser and machinery inputs—are addressed simultaneously. Ther following five scenarios are evaluated: (1) improved irrigation efficiency, (2) deficit irrigation, (3) increased water pricing, (4) reduced rice cultivation and (5) expanded sesame cultivation. Scenario 1 delivers the most favourable trade‐off, boosting profit by 15.7% and cutting water use by 24.4%. Scenarios 2 and 3 reduce profitability (−16.5%, −8%), while Scenario 5 yields only a 4.8% gain. AHP‐weighted TOPSIS ranks Scenario 1 highest, followed by Scenarios 2, 4, 3 and 5. The framework proves effective in balancing competing goals and offers a robust decision‐support tool. Results highlight that modernising irrigation systems is the most sustainable strategy for agricultural water management in arid environments.