HLC-AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE-YEAR 9 (1).pdf

FIRST TERM 2024/2025 ACADEMIC SESSION AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE YEAR 9 HONEYLAND COLLEGE, LAGOS  YEAR 9 FIRST TERM SCHEME OF WORK Weeks Topics Page Number 1. Revi...

FIRST TERM 2024/2025 ACADEMIC SESSION AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE YEAR 9 HONEYLAND COLLEGE, LAGOS  YEAR 9 FIRST TERM SCHEME OF WORK Weeks Topics Page Number 1. Revision of Last Term’s Work Packaging of Agricultural Produce:...…………………………………………………….3 Definition………………………………………………………………...……………….3 Reasons for Packaging and Packaging Criteria.………………………………………….3 2. Packaging Criteria in Agriculture ………………………………….…………………….4 Examples of Packaging Materials/Items ……………………….……………………..….4 Advantages of Packaging. ………………………...……….……………………………..4 Disadvantages of Packaging. ………………………….…………………….………........5 3. Branding ………………………………………….………………………………………6 Definition of Branding ……………………….…………………………..………………6 Types of Branding ……………………….……………………………………………….6 Advantages of Branding…………….…..……….……………………………………..…6 Disadvantages of Branding…….…………..…………………………………………..…7 4. Pricing…………………….……………………………………………………….………8 Definition of Pricing….………………………………………………………….………..8 Pricing Policies and Factors affecting Price of Agricultural Product…….…….…………9 5. Advertisement ……………………………………………………….……….……..……10 Definition of Advertising……………………………………….…………….……..……10 Role of Advertising in Agriculture ……………………….………………….….……….10 Types of Advertising ………………………………….……………………….....………10.. 6. Methods of Advertising ………………………………………………………………….11 Factors influencing buying decision……………………………………….…..………....11 Advertising Media. …………………………………………………………...…………..11 7. Preservation of farm produce for marketing ……………………………………….…..…12 Definition of preservation ………………………………………………………..……..…12 Importance of preservation ……………………………………………..…………………12 Methods of preserving farm produce………………………………….…………………..13 8. Mid Term Break 9. Farm Machinery …………………………………………………………………………...14 Definition ………………...………………………………………………………………...14 Importance of Farm machines ………………..….………………………………………...14 Different types of Farm machines ……………….………………………………………...14 Uses ………………………………………………………………………………………...14 Intermediate machinery……………………………………………………………………..15 Various sources of Farm power ………………………………..…………………………...16 Ways of maintaining farm machinery …………………….………………………………...16 1 10. Career (Employment) Opportunity in Agriculture………………………………………………17 Definition…………………………………………………………………………………...……17 Factors to be considered before choosing a career in agriculture………………………….……17 Areas of specialization and fields of study in agriculture……………………………………….18 11. Revision 12. Examination 2 WEEK 1 PACKAGING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE Learning Objectives At the end of the lesson students should be able to: (a) define packaging; (b) state reasons for packaging; (c) state and explain packaging criteria. REFERENCE TEXT: Pre-Vocational Studies Agriculture Book 3 Chapter 1, Pages 8-1 DEFINITION Packaging is the process of putting commodities or produce into convenient containers and packs. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING MATERIALS FOR PACKAGING 1. The packaging materials must be suitable for the type of agricultural produce. 2. The packaging material must have light weight for easier carriage of the agricultural produce. 3. The packaging materials must be able to hold the agricultural produce properly and keep them secured without any form of breakage, or damage to the produce. 4. The materials should be inexpensive and easily available. 5. The packaging materials should be easily disposed off after used to avoid pollution in the environment. REASONS FOR PACKAGING 1. To prevent the product from being damaged. 2. To keep the product fresh 3. Advertising of the product 4. To inform the customer of what is contained in the package and all other necessary information. 5. To make agricultural produce easier to handle, store and more attractive in the markets. 6. To save storage space and transport cost. 7. To increase the shelf –life of produce 8. To prevent wastage 9. To encourage consumers to buy products 3   FUNCTIONS OF PRODUCT PACKAGING  Protect the quality and quantity of the produce  Protect spoilage during transportation and storage  Be convenient in handling  Should protect the good against physical and chemical damage  Help the customer to identify the good and instruct them on how to use it correctly  Should provide a barrier against dirt and other contaminants thus keeping the product clean  Be cheap, clean and readily available  Be environment friendly and biodegradable  REFERENCE TEXT: Pre-Vocational Studies Agriculture Book 3 Chapter 1, Pages 8-1 WEEK 2 PACKAGING MATERIALS Learning Objectives At the end of the lesson students should be able to: (a) list and explain different types of packaging materials; (b) state and explain the advantages of packaging; (c) state and explain the disadvantages of packaging. EXAMPLES OF PACKAGING ITEMS 1. Cages-These packaging items could be made of wood or metal. They are durable and efficient for transporting live animals with small body size. Examples of animals that can be packaged and transported in cages are rabbits, fowl ,turkey, dogs etc. 2. Drum/Barrels-These are metal containers used for packaging and transporting liquid farm produce such as palm oil, vegetable oil etc. The container is always sealed and made air tight. 3. Boxes :Farm produce such as apple, oranges, mangoes, plantain can be packaged with boxes made from different materials such as wood, metal, carbon etc. The inside of the boxes are lined with cushioning materials. 4. Polythene-They are also known as plastic bags, made of polythene.They are used for packaging fruits,vegetables,smoked fish etc.Besides the very low materials costs, transparent polythene bag gives room for easy inspection of content by buyers. 5. Tray-Eggs, apples and other farm produce are packaged in trays or crates. Trays ensure easy handling and efficient transportation without damage. 6. Baskets-These are woven out of local materials such as palm frond. They are either small or large in size. Baskets have an advantage of aeration and capacity. Produce such as kolanuts,tomatoes,okro, mango, pepper and potato are packaged in baskets. The baskets may be nested for efficient transportation. 7. Bags-Jute bags and other types of sacks are used for packaging produce such as cowpea, maize,onion,sweet potatoes and rice.They are packaged in bags of various sizes.In addition to low cost,jute bag has an advantage of good ventilation which is beneficial to produce such as onion. 4  8. Plastic container-Plastic container such as kegs and plastic bottle of different sizes are used for packaging farm produce such as milk, fruit juice, palm oil, groundnut oil, honey etc. The durability of plastic container is an advantage. 9. Glass-A display of products in glass bottles or jars. Glass has many properties which makes it a popular choice as a packaging material. Glass is able to withstand heat treatments such as pasteurization and sterilization, It does not react with food. 10. Metals-Metal cans are used for packaging fishes. Metal cans have a number of advantages over other types of containers. They provide total protection of the contents. They are tamper proof. They are convenient for presentation. ADVANTAGES OF PACKAGING 1. Protection-The basic benefit of packaging is the protection of goods to be sold. 2. Information-Packaging can provide information to a consumer regarding the product contents. 3. Size and quantity-Packaging can control the size and quantity of a product. 4. Marketing-Packaging is the frontline of marketing through design and marketing communications. Packaging can help sell a product and differentiate it from similar products. 5. Security-Product security can be provided through packaging. Packaging can make items tamper-resistant, can help reduce theft and can help prevent harm from dangerous products. DISADVANTAGES OF PACKAGING  1. Cost-Packaging adds significant expense to product costs, which is then passed on to consumers.  2 Space and storage – Packaging takes up space in landfills, homes, and businesses, contributing clutter and disorganization.  3 Resource consumption ; Packaging requires raw materials, energy and water, contributing to resource depletion and waste  4 Overpackaging ; Excessive packaging can lead to product damage, waste and unnecessary expenses.  5 Lack of standardization : Inconsistent packaging sizes and shapes can lead to inefficiencies in shipping and storage. 5 REFERENCE TEXT: Pre-Vocational Studies Agriculture Book 3 Chapter 1, Pages 8-16 WEEK 3 BRANDING Learning Objectives At the end of the lesson students should be able to: (a) define branding; (b) list and explain the types of branding; (c) state and explain the advantages of branding; (d) state and explain the disadvantages of branding. DEFINITION The marketing practice of creating a name, symbol or design that identifies and differentiates a product from other products. TYPES OF BRANDING 1. PERSONAL BRANDING: This type of branding is specifically associated with a person. This would work best if you are self employed and starting a venture of your own. The biggest benefit of personal branding is that you can leverage your existing fame to get more business. 2. SERVICE BRANDING: This entirely focused on the service that an individual or a company is providing.All that matters is the service you provide to your customers and that needs to be excellent. 3. PRODUCT BRANDING: This is one of the commonly used types of branding because its based on the product. The primary principle behind this product branding is to keep the customer journey and decision making in mind. 4. RETAIL BRANDING: Retail is connected with the word “ retailers” which means stores and retailers selling different products under the flagship of one brand.However, some retaiers tend to sell only the products that belong to their brand. 5. ONLINE BRANDING : Online branding comprises all kinds of branding with an online space.It includes all the online posts,web design, website and so on. 6. OFFLINE BRANDING : Offline branding happens offline,which include all the offline channels like printing or in-person meeting,offline branding can comprise of all the different types of branding. 7. CORPORATE BRANDING: Corporate branding focuses on the look and success of a business. It involves everything, including the products,services,employees name,suppliers,and every other possible connection to the company. Some examples of branding are Nike : product branding , Apple : corporate branding, Oprah Winfrey : personal branding, Uber : service branding, Amazopn : E- branding-dominant online retailer, Coca-cola : Global branding etc. ADVANTAGES OF BRANDING  RECOGNITION: Branding helps create a unique identity for your product or sevices.  TRUST :A strong brand can build trust with customers,establishing a sense of reliability and credibility.  DIFFERENTIATION: Branding helps differentiate your product or service from competitors, making it more attractive to potential customers.  EMOTIONAL CONNECTION: A well- crafted brand can create an emotional connection with customers, fostering loyalty and advocacy.  VALUE: A strong brand can increase the perceived value of your product or service, allowing for premium pricing. 6 DISADVANTAGES OF BRANDING  COST : Building and maintaining a strong brand can be expensive, requiring significant investments in marketing, advertising and design.  TIME: Developing a brand takes time, effort and resources, which can be challenging for small businesses or those with limited budgets.  CONSISTENCY :Maintaining a consistent brand image and message can be difficult, especially across multiple channels.  REPUTATION RISK: A brand's reputation can be damaged by negative reviews, public relations crises, or social media backlash.  OVEREMPHASIS: Overemphasizing branding can lead to neglect of other important business aspects, such as product development or customer service. PROCESS OF BRANDING A PRODUCT 1. Find a name :Choose an appropriate name that is easily remembered and specific to the product. 2. Develop a slogan:The selected slogan needs to be two to three words, catchy and easily remembered. 3. Create an appropriate symbol or logo : It can be as simple as a geometric shape. REFERENCE TEXT: Pre-Vocational Studies Agriculture Book 3 Chapter 2, Pages 18-22 7 WEEK 4 PRICING Learning Objectives At the end of the lesson students should be able to: (a) define pricing; (b) state and explain the objectives of pricing; (c) state and explain pricing policies; (d) state and explain factors affecting price of agricultural produce. DEFINITION Pricing is the process whereby a business sets the price at which it will sell its products and services. Price is the amount paid by the customer for a service or a good OBJECTIVES OF PRICING 1. Increased profits:To achieve the financial goals of the company(profitability) 2. Price stability:Stability of prices over a period reflects the efficiency of a company. 3. Achieving Market share-Market share refers to the share of the company in the total sales of the product in the market The main objective of achieving large share in the market is to enjoy more reputation and goodwill among the people. 4. Prevention of competition :Pricing can be used as one of the effective means to fight against the competition and business rivalries.Lesser prices are charged by some firms to keep their competitors out of the market. 5. Achieving a Target Return on investments : This is the most important objective which every company wants to achieve i.e a certain rate of return on investments. PRICING POLICY A pricing policy is a company’s approach to determine the price at which it offers a good or service to the market. TYPES OF PRICING POLICY 1. Cost-plus pricing: This is the cost of manufacturing the product plus a profit mark up. It involves estimating how many products will be produced, then calculating the total cost of producing this output and finally adding a percentage mark up for profit. 2. Competitive pricing: This involves setting prices in line with or just below competitors prices to try to capture more of the market. You have to research your competitors prices which cost time and money. 3. Price skimming:This is where a high price is set for a new product as being of good quality.Some potential customer may put off because of the high price. The main objective of price skimming is to achieve a profit quickly.It is also used to improve brand image. 4. Promotional pricing:This is when a product is sold at a very low price for a short period of time. It is useful to get rid of unwanted stock that will not sell. It can renew interest in a product. 5. Dynamic pricing: This happens when customers are split into two or more groups and they are charged different prices for basically the same product because they have different demand levels. It increases sales revenue and profit. FACTORS THAT DETERMINE PRICING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE/PRICE DETERMINANTS 8 1. Forces of demand and supply 2. Cost of production 3. Quality of produce 4. Quantity of produce 5. Market sentiments 6. Seasonal produce 7. Government policy REFERENCE TEXT: Pre-Vocational Studies Agriculture Book 3, Pages 24-27 9 WEEK 5 ADVERTISEMENTS OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE Learning Objectives At the end of the lesson students should be able to: (a) define advertisements; (b) state and explain the roles of advertising; (c) state and explain types of advertising DEFINITION ADVERTISING-This is the process of giving information about a product to the public. Advertising is a form of communication relayed from companies to persuade an audience to purchase their products. ROLE OF ADVERTISING 1. Informing target audience:Advertising helps a company to create awareness for their product. 2. Influencing prospects to buy:Properly displayed advert actually propels prospective buyer to want to try a company’s product. 3. To create brands and products differentiation 4. Helps in increasing product interest:Good advertisement has a high level of attractiveness that arouses curiosity of the target audience 5. Performs the role of increasing product demand: When customers curiosity has been aroused, they are more likely to quench it by ordering the product in question. TYPES OF ADVERTISING 1. Informative advertising: This type of advertising informs the customers about the products, services or ideas of the firm or organization. ` 2. Persuasive advertising:This type of advertising persuades or motivates the prospective buyers to take quick actions to buy the products or services of the firm. Example:”Buy one, get one free”. 3. Competitive Advertising:This is an effort by at least one company to create a contrast between its product and the same or similar product offering by competitors. 4. Mass and specific Advertising:This is designed to reach large numbers of people, by using television,radio,newspapers and the internet. REFERENCE TEXT: Pre-Vocational Studies Agriculture Book 3 Chapter 3, Pages 29-35 10 WEEK 6 ADVERTISING (cont.) Learning Objectives At the end of the lesson students should be able to: (a) list and explain the methods of advertising; (b) list and explain factors influencing buying decision; (c) mention some advertising media/ distribution channel. METHODS OF ADVERTISING 1. DIRECT ACTION ADVERTISING :This is done to get immediate responses from customers. Examples:Season’s sale, purchase coupons in a magazine. 2. INDIRECT ACTION ADVERTISING:This type of advertising exercise is carried out to make a positive effect on the mind of the reader or viewer. After getting the advertisement he does not rush to buy the product but he develops a favourable image of the brand in his mind. FACTORS INFLUENCING BUYING DECISION 1 PRICE : The cost of the product or service is a major factor in the buying decision 2 QUALITY : Percveived quality of the product or service can greatly impact the buying decision 3 BRAND REPUTATION :The reputation of the brand can build trust and influence the buying decision 4 FEATURES AND BENEFITS : The features and benefits of the product or service can appeal to the buyer's needs and wants. 5 SOCIAL INFLUENCE : Recommendations from families and friends. ADVERTISING CHANNEL/DISTRIBUTION MEDIA 1. Flyers 7. Social media 13. Sales Vans 2. Newsprint or Newspaper 8. Television 14. Car stickers 3. Radio 9. Cable advertising 4. Internet 10. Use of billboard 5. Word of mouth 11. Magazines/Journals 6. Promotional items 12. Leaflets and posters REFERENCE TEXT: Pre-Vocational Studies Agriculture Book 3 Chapter 3, Pages 29-35 11 WEEK 7 PRESERVATION OF FARM PRODUCE FOR MARKETING Learning Objectives At the end of the lesson, students should be able to: (a) define preservation; (b) state the importance of preservation; (c) list and explain different methods of preservation. PRESERVATION Preservation is the process of keeping farm produce in its original state until they are needed. REASONS FOR PRESERVING FARM PRODUCE 1. To preserve planting materials for the next planting season 2. To reduce wastage and loss of agricultural produce when there is surplus 3. To ensure availability of produce throughout the year 4. To protect the produce from the destructive effects of weather 5. To prevent the activities of micro organisms and enzymes in agricultural produce 6. To extend the shelf life of the food. 7. To maintain the quality of farm produce. GENERAL METHODS OF PRESERVING FARM PRODUCE 1. Drying:Drying involves placing farm produce under the sun in order to reduce the water content. When farm produce like cocoa,groundnut,maize,beans,okro,sliced yam tuber,guinea corn,millet,fish and meat are sundried, they can last longer without spoiling. 2. Salting:Farm products like fish and meat can last longer when salt is applied on them. The salt helps to keep away micro-organisms that cause decay and also draws water from them through osmotic pressure(minimum pressure). 3. Smoking:Smoking is the most common method of preserving some farm produce in Nigeria. Fish and meat are placed on metal gauze trays and placed on open oven, under the oven is a wood or charcoal fire producing smokes and heat that preserve the meat and fish.Maize cobs and mature okro fruits are hung under local kitchen roofs and smokes from fireplace help them preserved till next planting season. 4. Frying:Farm products like yam tubers,plantain,potato,fish and meat can be preserved by frying. The products are fried with palm oil,groundnut oil,soya bean oil or any other consumable oil.Fried products last for some time before they get spoiled. 5. Canning:This is a preservation method where fruits and other food items are sealed in sterile cans or containers. It is used by industries to preserve items like fruit juices,fish,beef,milk,beverages etc,on a large scale. 6. Bottling:This is similar to canning. It is an industrial way of preserving some food items like fruit drinks,beer,alcoholic drinks,water,groundnutseeds,drugs etc.Bottled items can last for a year and more if not opened. 7. Freezing and refrigeration:This involves the use of refrigerators or deep freezers.Refrigeration brings down the temperature of the food items to the level where micro organisms cannot survive and therefore prevents decay. This method can preserve food items for as long as power is available to keep the freezer or fridge working. 8. Pickling:This is a method of preserving food items by cooking them with substances that can inhibit the growth of micro-organisms.Such substances,which must be fit for human consumption,include vinegar,vegetable oils,salt,alcohol etc. 9. Use of chemicals:Some chemicals are sometimes used to preserve farm produce.Some farm produce like dried grains are put in bags or cans and sprayed with chemicals to prevent them from getting destroyed by pests and 12  other organisms. Chemicals used for this purpose include phostoxin,sulphur oxide,lindane dust,carbon disulphide etc. SPECIFIC PRESERVATION METHODS FOR DIFFERENT FARM PRODUCE FARM PRODUCE SPECIFIC METHOD OF PRESERVATION Meat Refrigeration,smoking,drying, canning etc. Milk Canning,refrigerating Egg Refrigerating,freezing Tubers Drying Cereals Drying,smoking,canning Vegetables Drying,refrigeration,freezing,canning,bottling,pickling. REFERENCE TEXT: Pre-Vocational Studies Agriculture Book 3 Chapter 4, Pages 26-30 13 WEEK 9 FARM MACHINERY Learning Objectives At the end of the lesson, students should be able to: (a) define farm machines; (b) state the importance of farm machine; (c) list different types of farm machine; (d) state the uses of different farm machines; (e) define intermediate machinery; (f) state different ways of maintaining farm machinery. REFERENCE TEXT: Pre-Vocational Studies Agriculture Book 3 Chapter 9, Pages 84-100 DEFINITION Farm machines are tools or implements driven by mechanical force to achieve an operation in the farm. Farm machines refer to the range of mechanical devices, which can be used to improve agricultural production. IMPORTANCE OF FARM MACHINE 1. It saves time and labour. 2. It removes difficulty/drudgery in farming. 3. It increases the productivity and income of farmers. 4. It reduce cost of production. 5. It reduces human labour. 6. It replaces most farm tools. TYPES OF FARM MACHINES THE TRACTOR It is a large powerful multipurpose vehicle with rubber tyres or chain tracts. It has power-take off (PTO) shaft used in drawing farm implements like ploughs, harrows, harvesters,planters etc. It has hydraulic control system for lifting other implements. They are powered by diesel engine. It consists of internal combustion engine. Tractors require no spark plugs. TYPES OF TRACTORS 1. THE WHEELED TRACTOR:These are tractors with wheels through which they move about.It is used for light cultivation. 2. THE TRACK TYPE TRACTOR:This has a pair of crawlers (tract) in place of wheels.It is used for large scale cultivation. It can operate large and heavy blades for bush clearing and felling of trees.It is also known as bulldozer or caterpillars. USES OF TRACTOR 1. For pulling and lifting coupled implements such as ploughs,harrows,ridger etc 2. It is used for tilling the soil 3. They are used for carrying farm input, farm worker and animals. 14 B. PLANTERS: They are designed to plant seeds such as maize, rice, cowpea and cotton. Some can plant only one type of seed while others can plant more than one type. Types of planters include row crop planter, broadcast crop planter,driller-Used for sowing seeds in rows with very little space between the seeds. C. SPRAYERS: These are equipment designed to apply chemicals solutions such as herbicides and pesticides on crops or soils to control weeds, pests and diseases. They are also used for applying liquid fertilizer and for light irrigation.Types of sprayers include knapsack sprayer,boom sprayers and tractor mounted sprayers. D. HARVESTERS: These are machines designed for harvesting crops on the field Types of harvesters include 1. Combined harvester:It performs the functions of harvesting,threshing and separation of grains from cobs or straw. It also cleans the grains by separating them from the chaff. 2. Forage harvester:For cutting forage crops (grasses and legumes) for hay or silage making. 3. Corn Pickers :For harvesting guinea corn. 4. Mowers: For cutting grasses for hay making 5. Root crop harvester: For harvesting crop such as cassava, irish potatoes. 6. Balers: For harvesting (picking) grasses and compressing it into bales for easy handling 7. Cotton Scrippers: For harvesting mature cotton E. FERTILIZER DISTRIBUTOR OR MANURE SPREADER: They are used for applying fertilizer to the soil F. POWERED HACKED SAW :It is used for cutting metals. G. LATHES: It is used for smoothening round surfaces of machine parts. It is used for making holes and thread on metals. H. MILKING MACHINE: It is made up of an electric motor, vacuum pump used for extracting milk from the udder of female farm animals. I. PROCESSORS: These are grinders,graters, millers, dryers ,etc used on the farm to convert produce from raw to other forms. J. INCUBATORS-are machines used for hatching fertilized eggs.The conditions for egg incubation are artificially controlled in the incubator just like the natural incubation.It takes 21 days for fertilized eggs of domestic fowl to develop and hatch in incubators.With the use of incubators large number of fertilized eggs could be hatched in batches to satisfy the need of commercial farmers for day old chicks. K. SHELLERS-Shellers are machines used to separate the seeds from the husk or cob.Shellers are used in removing the hard outer covering of nuts,rice,maize,cowpea e.t.c INTERMEDIATE MACHINES /TRACTOR COUPLED IMPLEMENTS These are called coupled implements.They can only be used for operations when attached or coupled with tractors or draught animals. They could be animal driven or tractor coupled. Examples are planters, sprayers,driller,manure spreader,harvesters,balers,plough,harrow,ridger e.tc. 15 TILLAGE IMPLEMENTS Tillage implements are those devices used for soil preparation before seed sowing.They are classified into two :Primary and secondary tillage implements Tillage refers to the loosening of soils in preparation for seeds planting. PRIMARY TILLAGE IMPLEMENTS: These are the first implements used to break up and loosen the soil.The most common primary tillage implement is the plough which is used to turn over the soil and control weeds. Types of plough includes disc and mould board plough. SECONDARY TILLAGE IMPLEMENTS :These are implements used to cultivate the soil after the plough has been used. Examples of secondary tillage implements are harrow and ridger HARROW : It is used to break large soil clods and puts the soil in good seed bed condition. Types of harrow includes disc,spike tooth and spring tine harrow. RIDGERS: This is used to turn the soil in one direction (after harrowing) to form ridges. Types of ridgers includes disc and mould board ridger. SOURCES OF FARM POWER 1. Animal power:This is the type of power derived from some animals which are used to perform certain farm operstions. 2. Mechanical power: This requires the use of machines and engines like planters, ploughs e.t.c. Solar power: Solar energy is derived from the radiation, light and heat reaching the earth's surface from the sun. 3. Wind power:Wind power is generated by wind movement. Its use in windmill helps to pump water out of a borehole to a generating set for the production of electricity. 4. Electrical power:This is the type of power derived from electricity or generator. 5. Biogas:This is a new method of generating power by making use of farm wastes, especially animal dung. 6. Water power:This is the power derived from water flowing in rivers, streams and dams.Water is used in hydro- electric stations to drive the turbines. MAINTENANCE OF FARM MACHINES 1. Keep machines away from rain and sun after use 2. All loose bolts and nuts should be firmly tightened. 3. Blunt blades should be sharpened 4. Lubricate the moving metal surfaces to avoid friction 5. Store all implements in a cool and dry place 6. Replace worn out bolt and nut 7. Periodic changing of engine oil 8. REFERENCE TEXT: Pre-Vocational Studies Agriculture Book 3 Chapter 9, Pages 84-100 16 WEEK 10 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN AGRICULTURE Learning Objectives At the end of the lesson, students should be able to: (a) define career; (b) factors to consider before choosing a career; (c) mention different areas of specialization in agriculture; (d) mention different careers available to a qualified agriculturists. REFERENCE TEXT: Pre-Vocational Studies Agriculture Book 3 Chapter 8, Pages 75-77 DEFINITION Career is defined as a chosen pursuit. It is also defined as the job or profession which one has been trained for or practiced for a lifetime. Employment opportunities in Agriculture can be discussed under two headings 1. Self-employment-This refers to the act of engaging oneself in one or more agricultural activities for economic empowerment without being employed by someone else. People are mostly self-employed in farming, trading, processing and transportation. 2. Paid employment-This refers to the work done by an individual for the purpose of receiving money as a reward for the work. The money received after doing the work is called salary or wages. It could be paid daily, weekly or monthly depending on an agreement or understanding. Examples of paid employment are teachers of agriculture, workers in federal and state ministries of Agriculture, workers in agro-allied industries, workers in research institutes, workers in agricultural banks. Factors to be considered before choosing a career in Agriculture 1. Nature of the job 2. Job rewards 3. Benefits to the society 4. Available job opportunities 5. Education and training required 6. Personal attributes, interests and aptitude needed for success in the occupation 7. Where to get such education and training Areas of specialization in Agriculture with their contribution to Agricultural Development. 1. Animal Science or production:Better animal productivity or more milk, meat and egg production -development of new breed -better feeds for growth and productivity 2. Health and Veterinary Medicine :Better health management -Control of pests and parasites -Production of vaccines for animal health care 3. Soil Science :Maintaining soil fertility -Erosion control methods -Moisture conservation - Appropriate fertilizer for different soil type 17  4. Crop production (a) Agronomy –Effective crop management practices -Better productivity of crops -Development of improved crops (b) Crop Pathology : Healthy plant production Management of plant diseases (c) Entomology : Management of insect pests -Integrated pest management 5. Agricultural Economics and Farm management :Agricultural marketing -Exposing farmers to sources of farm finance -Teaching cooperative farming 6. Agricultural Engineering :Mechanization of farm operations -Maintenance of farm tools and implements -Development of processing and storage equipment 7. Agricultural Extension and Education: Training of farmers -Link farmers to researchers -Dissemination of agricultural information to farmers. 8. Forestry and wildlife conservation: Conservation of forest products -Conservation of wild life -Source of medicinal products 9. Fishery: Production of fish -Better ways of fish management -Provision of fish meal 10. Horticulture: (a) Pomology(Fruit science) (b)Olericulture(Vegetable science) (c)Floriculture (Production and utilization of ornamental plant) -Effective fruit and vegetable management practices -Better production of fruits and vegetables -Development of new variety of fruits and vegetables CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO A QUALIFIED AGRICULTURIST 1. Farming 5. Educational Institutions 9. Prison service 2. Industry 6. Research Institutes 10. International 3. Commercial banks 7. Civil Service organizations 4. Private companies 8. Publishing 11. Oil industries REFERENCE TEXT: Pre-Vocational Studies Agriculture Book 3 Chapter 8, Pages 75-77 18