Cultivation Logistics cost reduction for Queen Pineapple Using Mixed-Integer Linear Programming

Abstract

Abstract

Many Queen pineapples are available for consumption, but a new and very popular breed among Thai and foreign tourists is Phetchaburi pineapple; its features include the ability to be tear out without peeling, sweet taste and crispy texture. However, this new breed could not be produced to meet the market demand because the farmers lack effective planning strategy, from pineapple shoot procurement and cultivation through to harvesting planning. Besides, there is limitation of planting area; different sizes of pineapple shoot also impact the growing, fertilization period, injection of florigen and harvesting periods. To solve this problem, a mixed integer linear programming model was developed for cultivation planning, size selection of pineapple shoot in the field, setting the interval time of fertilization, and injection of florigen for efficient harvesting. The results showed that the proposed mixed integer linear programming can be used as a decision supporting tool that could reduce the total cost by up to 3.64% compared with manual planning.

Keywords : Cultivating planning; Mixed-Integer linear programming; Phetchaburi pineapple