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Not AvailableQuantitative techniques such as simulation modelling and optimization play a vital role in the management of complex ground-water systems. This study demonstrates the combined use of groundwater-flow and resource optimization models to scientif-ically address the water scarcity problem in well-based command areas through a case study in eastern India. A transientsimulation-optimization model was developed for the study area using Visual MODFLOW (groundwater-flow simulation tool)and the response-matrix technique to maximize pumping from the existing tubewells. The optimized maximum pumping ratesobtained from the integrated simulation-optimization model were further used in linear programming-based optimizationmodels to determine optimal cropping patterns for the wet, normal and dry scenarios. The net annual income from the optimalcropping patterns for the wet, normal and dry scenarios were estimated at Rs. 81.8 million, Rs. 76.4 million and Rs. 71.6 mil-lion, respectively. The results of simulation-optimization modelling indicated that if the suggested optimal cropping patternsare adopted in the study area, the net annual irrigation water requirements will be reduced by 28, 35 and 40%, and net annualincome will be increased by 28, 23 and 17% during wet, normal and dry scenarios, respectively. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & sons Ltd.Not Availabl