Page 71 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

Activity 4.6
Visit your plots and nearby paddy fields, then carry out the following activities:

1. Observe any pests and diseases found in the fields.
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2. Assess the damage they have caused in the visited plot/fields.
3. Under the supervision of your teacher/agricultural extension worker, apply a
recommended herbicide to the crop plants in your paddy plot.

4. After some time, observe the recovery of plants and the reduction of pest and
disease levels following herbicide application.
5. Write a report on your findings.

Exercise 4.4
1. Explain how too much or too little water affects paddy growth in the field.

2. (a) Discuss essential nutrients that are needed for the paddy crop to grow
healthily.

(b) Explain how farmers can ensure an adequate supply of these nutrients in
the field.
3. (a) Name two other insect pests that attack paddy fields, apart from those
learnt in the class.

(b) Describe a biological or cultural method that can be used to control
them.

4. Explain two preventive practices farmers can use to reduce the risk of pest
and disease outbreaks in a paddy field.

Harvesting and postharvest management of paddy

Depending on the variety, paddy takes about 5 to 7 months from planting to
maturity. Maturity is indicated by a change in colour of the panicles from green
to yellow or brown, depending on the variety. Harvesting should begin when
approximately 80% of the paddy has turned yellow or brown. At this stage,
water in the field should be gradually drained. The harvesting process involves
cutting the rice stems using sickles. For large fields, a combine harvester can be
used to simplify work. After harvesting, threshing is done either manually or

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