Page 10 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

Chapter Introduction to

One cereal and pulse crop

production
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY

Introduction

In this chapter, you will learn the meaning of cereal and pulse crops, common
cereal and pulse crops grown in Tanzania and their importance. You will also
learn how to plan for cereal and pulse crop production. The competencies
developed will enable you to appreciate the importance of cereals and pulses
and properly plan for their production. You will also understand how these crops
contribute to household and national food security and income generation.

Think

Grains and beans that feed the world

The concept of cereal and pulse crops

Imagine waking up in the morning and having a warm bowl of porridge or
enjoying a plate of rice and beans during lunch. Have you ever wondered where
these come from? They come from cereal and pulse crops!
Cereals are crops of the Gramineae, also known as the Poaceae family, which
are grown for their edible seeds. The term cereal refers to either the seeds or the
plant itself. Cereal crops are also known as grain crops. They include crops such
as maize, sorghum, paddy or rice, finger millet, bulrush millet, wheat and barley
(refer to Figures 1.1 (a) to (g)). Cereals are a major staple food of the population
in both developed and developing countries. In Tanzania, for example, cereals
are the primary part of meals eaten nearly every day by most households as the
main source of energy (carbohydrates).

Student’s Book Form Three 1

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AGRICULTURE F3.indd 1