Page 10 - Agriculture Form Two

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

The principles and practices of crop production involve:

(a) Planning for crop production;
(b) Land preparation;
(c) Selection of planting materials and sowing/planting;
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(d) Management of soil fertility;
(e) Management of soil water;
(f) Management of pests;
(g) Performing other specific agronomic practices;
(h) Harvesting and post-harvesting management; and
(i) Farm record keeping.

Planning for crop production

Planning is the foremost mental activity in crop production. This stage gives
one an insight into the whole picture of the intended agricultural business from
the beginning to the end of a farming enterprise. It allows one to determine the
physical and financial resources required for the enterprise. A planning stage
enables an individual to determine and focus on the reasons behind engaging
in the production of the intended crop, find out the market for the crop before
starting to produce it and determine the required production resources such as
land availability, labour, and financial resources.
In recent years, planning for agricultural production has been threatened by
climate change experienced in the form of increasing temperatures, longer
dry spells, prolonged drought, floods, and erratic rainfall. Therefore, planning
in the face of climate change needs to consider minimising the risk of climate
change impacts: This can be done by including several climate-smart agricultural
practices, such as.

(a) Diversifying crops and livestock: Involving drought-tolerant crops in the
farm can be one of the most effective ways for a farmer to adapt to climate
change. It can help prevent crop failures, maintain soil health, and prevent
the spread of pests and diseases.
(b) Using local varieties: Small landholder farmers can use crop cultivars that
can withstand local pest pressure, water and nutrient deficiency.
(c) Implementing sustainable agricultural practices: These include
conservation agriculture and agroforestry practices that can help increase
resistance to climate change by improving soil health, water retention, and
biodiversity.

2 Student’s Book Form Two

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Agriculture form 2.indd 2