Page 25 - Agriculture Form Two

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

Activity 1.10
1. Visit a school farm or any nearby crop field/garden of your choice, then
inquire from the farmer on:
(a) Maturity indicators of the given crop;
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
(b) Methods, tools and implements used in harvesting the crop; and
(c) Challenges associated with harvesting the crop.

2. Through a study visit to any nearby demonstration farm or video clip/ internet
search study on:
(a) How harvesting practices in large-scale crop production are carried out;
and
(b) Harvesting implements and technologies used.
3. Use various learning resources such as the library, nearby agricultural
extension workers, the internet, and video clips to learn about the different
types of digital and computer-based technologies (CBT) or applications used
in harvesting.
4. Summarise your observation in your portfolio.

Post-harvesting management

Immediately after the crop’s harvestable part is separated from its parent plant
or the whole plant is removed from its growing point, it begins to deteriorate.
Post-harvesting practises are the activities done to the crop produce at different
stages after harvesting. They include those treatments carried out immediately
following harvesting (post-harvesting handling) and those that may be done
some days or months later. These practices vary depending on various factors,
including the nature or type of produce, intended final quality, and the state and
time at which the product will be used, stored, or sold. Generally, good post-
harvesting handling is critical to reduce post-harvesting losses of fresh produce,
maintain quality, preserve nutrient content, and earn higher prices in the market.

Purposes of post-harvesting practices
Generally, post-harvesting handling, among others, aims at:
(a) Preserving crop products to reduce the rate of deterioration.
(b) Enable easier handling of the crop products by reducing their bulkiness.
(c) Converting crop produce into suitable forms for consumers’ use.
(d) Adding value to the produce.

Student’s Book Form Two 17

04/10/2024 18:07
Agriculture form 2.indd 17 04/10/2024 18:07
Agriculture form 2.indd 17