Page 117 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

possibility of selling at favourable prices. For successful cowpea production,
practical knowledge and skills on these principles should be developed and
practised properly.

Activity 7.2
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
1. Visit one or two cowpea fields in your area and find out which principles and
practices are followed to grow, manage, and sell the crop.
2. Plan a small cowpea project for your school garden, then:

(a) Create a simple crop calendar for all farm activities based on the rainfall
season of your area and other factors such as labour availability, pest and
disease management.
(b) List each task (e.g., land clearing, planting, weeding, etc.) with its
expected dates of implementation.

(c) Prepare a simple budget a simple budget that includes:
(i) the costs of each farm activity and inputs required.

(ii) the estimated total cost of the entire project; and

(iii) the expected total income the project will generate.

Site selection and land preparation for cowpea production

Cowpeas grow best in warm, dry areas with moderate rainfall ranging from 400
mm to 700 mm and plenty of sunlight. Ideal temperatures range from 20 ℃ to 35
℃, and altitudes between 500 and 1,200 metres above sea level. The crop performs
well in a wide range of soil types, including sandy and low-fertility soils, making
it a suitable crop for arid and even semi-arid regions where other crops fail to
grow well. The crop perform better in well drained soils hence heavy clay soils
should be avoided. Once the site is selected, the land must be prepared properly
by clearing and removing bushes, grass, and big stones from the field. The soil
should then be ploughed using a hoe, ox-plough, or tractor-driven plough. Large
soil clods should be broken down and levelled using a rake or harrow. Then, rows
or beds should be marked for planting. Proper land preparation helps roots grow
deep, improves water use, and reduces weed infestation.

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