Category 1

Course Summary: Crop Production

Course Description:
This unit introduces students to the principles and practices of crop production, covering key aspects such as soil preparation, planting, crop management, pest and disease control, harvesting, and post-harvest handling. It aims to equip learners with practical skills and knowledge to enhance productivity and sustainability in crop farming.

Course Objectives:
By the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Understand the principles of crop growth and development.
2. Identify and classify different crop types based on their uses and characteristics.
3. Apply appropriate soil preparation and planting techniques.
4. Manage crops efficiently by implementing proper irrigation, fertilization, and weed control methods.
5. Identify and control common crop pests and diseases.
6. Implement sustainable farming practices to enhance soil fertility and productivity.
7. Apply appropriate harvesting and post-harvest handling techniques to minimize losses.

Course Content:

1. Introduction to Crop Production

   • Importance of crops in agriculture
   • Classification of crops

2. Soil and Land Preparation

   • Soil types and their suitability for different crops
   • Land preparation techniques

3. Planting Methods

   • Seed selection and propagation techniques
   • Spacing and planting depth considerations

4. Crop Management

   • Fertilizer application
   • Irrigation methods
   • Weed control

5. Pest and Disease Management

   • Identification of common pests and diseases
   • Control measures (chemical, biological, and cultural methods)

6. Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling

   • Harvesting techniques for different crops
   • Storage and processing methods

7. Sustainable Crop Production Practices

   • Crop rotation and intercropping
   • Soil conservation methods

Assessment Methods:

• Assignments and reports
• Practical demonstrations
• Field visits and case studies
• Written exams and quizzes