Optimizing agricultural policy for sustainable crop production in Onondaga county: An AHP-based land suitability analysis

Hussain, S.; Zubair, M.; Awan, A.

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Journal of Future Sustainability

ISSN 2816-8151 (Online) - ISSN 2816-8143 (Print) Quarterly Publication Volume 6 Issue 1 pp. 41-58 , 2026

Optimizing agricultural policy for sustainable crop production in Onondaga county: An AHP-based land suitability analysis Pages 41-58 Download PDF

Authors: Syed Zaheer Hussain, Maria Zubair, Arsam Ahmad Awan

DOI: 10.5267/j.jfs.2026.1.005

Keywords: Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP), Land suitability analysis, Geographical information system (GIS)

Abstract: Sustainable crop production depends on data-driven decision-making to optimize agricultural policies. The present research evaluates the possibility of growing maize and apples in Onondaga County, New York, using a land suitability analysis based on the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP). The expected potential of land and empirical farmed land utilization differ significantly, according to our analysis of high-resolution soil, land use, and climate information. According to the current investigation, less than 5% of the county’s land is now under cultivation. In fact, sufficient portions appropriate for agriculture such as 44.97% suited for apple orchards and 28.66% for maize. The main obstacles to agriculture are zoning laws that restrict agricultural growth, and land use restrictions and significant forest cover. The current research stipulates modifying zoning laws and providing financial subsidies to farmers. Further, investing in infrastructure development to increase agricultural production to maximize use of agricultural land and to promote awareness for sustainable agriculture practices. The outcomes of the study highlight evidence-based strategies which help in minimizing the gap between agriculture potential and land utilization. It also promotes steady growth of agriculture by offering particular land usage administrators, agriculture scientists, and administrators with beneficial guidelines.

How to cite this paper

 Hussain, S., Zubair, M & Awan, A. (2026). Optimizing agricultural policy for sustainable crop production in Onondaga county: An AHP-based land suitability analysis.Journal of Future Sustainability, 6(1), 41-58.

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