Page 116 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

seasons. Cowpeas are often planted in rotation with or inter-cropped with other
crops such as maize or millet.
Because of their early maturity and low requirements for cash and labour, cowpea
has become an important crop for smallholder farmers and young entrepreneurs.
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
Activity 7.1
1. Visit a nearby local market. Observe and identify at least two cowpea varieties
sold. Distinguish them in terms of their physical appearance and state if they
are local or improved.

2. Visit nearby cowpea farmers inquire and note down varieties of cow pea
grown, the purpose of production and challenges they face in producing the
crop.

Exercise 7.1

1. Farmers in a certain region grow cowpeas mainly for the fresh pods. What
are the likely reasons for this choice? What other cowpea products could they
consider?
2. You are asked to take part in planning a school garden. Outline five points you
would use to convince the school committee to plant cowpea in the garden.

Principles and practices of cowpea production
Cowpea production requires careful planning and proper farm management to
achieve optimum yields. Production must follow the recommended principles and
good agronomic practices right from the beginning. Each stage of the production
process plays an important role in ensuring crop success and reducing losses.
Farming activities begin with proper planning, selection of a suitable site and
proper land preparation. This is followed by the choice of appropriate cowpea
varieties and the application of correct sowing methods.
During the growing period, it is essential to manage soil water and nutrients
effectively. Weeds must be controlled to reduce competition for nutrients and
space. Pests and diseases should also be monitored and managed. Cowpeas
must be harvested at the right time to maintain quality and avoid losses. After
harvesting, proper postharvest management practices must be followed to reduce
spoilage and waste. In addition to field husbandry, marketing strategies must
be planned earlier during the planning phase. Effective marketing increases the

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