Production optimization through linear programming in agricultural properties

This study presents a methodology for planning and defining strategies for decision making in order to guarantee greater profitability in the activities of rural companies. It is divided into two parts. The first sought the gross revenue of crops and the calculation of costs of agricultural activities to know the contribution margin of each of them. Next, a model is created through linear programming with the intention of optimizing the production process. The methodology proposed through the use of LINDO software resulted in the definition of a production mix capable of guaranteeing the maximum possible profitability and a sensitivity analysis report. The results allowed the alteration of the cultivated area in each culture of the analyzed property, increasing the contribution margin of the property in 11.49% in comparison with the conventional planning and, the sensitivity analyses allowed to evaluate information regarding the restrictions and productive variables. It is concluded that the results of the study contribute to the evidencing of the applicability of linear programming in the optimization of the productive process of a rural property.