Page 95 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

marketing. Planning how and when to sell the peas helps producers get good
prices and avoid wastage of the produce. Marketing also helps farmers earn
money from their hard work and make better plans for the next cropping season.

Activity 6.2
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
1. Visit some local common pea farmers or use internet searches (if internet
service is available). Find out how common pea farming is planned,
established, managed, harvested, processed, and marketed.
(a) Discuss with different farmers or search for information on:

(i) When do they plant and harvest peas?

(ii) What inputs are used?

(iii) How do they control pests, weeds, and diseases?
(iv) How and to whom do they sell their peas?

(b) Write a summary in your portfolio, including:

(i) Key steps followed in common pea production; and

(ii) Challenges faced and how they are solved.
2. Create a simple production calendar and budget for growing common peas in
your school garden or field, as you have learnt in Chapter 1.

(a) Include activities by month or week based on local weather patterns.

(b) List estimated costs for inputs such as seeds, tools, and labour. Also,
include expected income.

Site selection and land preparation for common pea production

Common pea requires cool growing conditions. Suitable areas in Tanzania
include the highland regions. The ideal altitude ranges between 1,500 and 2,800
metres above sea level. The best temperatures for pea growth are between 13℃
and 21℃. However, high temperatures can reduce flowering and pod formation.
Rainfall should be moderate and well-distributed, between 600 mm and 1,000
mm. Excess water or flooding can lead to root diseases. Peas can be grown on a
wide range of soil types, from light sandy to heavy clay. However, peas have a
lower tolerance to saline and water-logged soils. Loamy soils with good drainage
and rich in organic matter are preferred. The best soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.5.

86 Student’s Book Form Three

17/09/2025 14:11
AGRICULTURE F3.indd 86 17/09/2025 14:11
AGRICULTURE F3.indd 86