Agriculture – Primary 6 Weekly Short Class Lesson Notes for Second Term

WEEK 5 – METHODS OF PRESERVING CEREAL CROPS

METHODS OF PRESERVING CEREAL CROPS IN NIGERIA

Cereal crops include maize, rice, millet, sorghum, and wheat. These crops need proper preservation to last long and prevent loss.

1. Sun Drying

How it works: Cereals are spread under the sun to remove moisture.

Purpose: To try grains last longer and do not spoil.

Examples: Maize, millet, rice.

 

2. Threshing and Winnowing

How it works: Separates grains from husks and dirt. Clean grains are less likely to spoil.

Purpose: To reduces contamination and insect attack.

Examples: Maize, millet, sorghum.

 

3. Storing in Pits or Silos

How it works: Dried grains are stored in underground pits, silos, or granaries.

Purpose: To protects grains from moisture, insects, and rodents.

Examples: Maize, rice.

 

4. Use of Insecticides or Chemicals

How it works: Chemicals or powders are applied to stored grains to kill insects.

Purpose: To prevents insect attack.

Examples: Maize, millet.

 

5. Smoking

How it works: Smoke from fire or burning straw dries grains and kills pests.

Purpose: To protects grains from insects and molds.

Examples: Maize.

 

PRACTICAL DEMONSTRATION: HOW TO PRESERVE CEREAL CROPS

1. Sun Drying

Materials Needed: Freshly harvested maize or rice. Clean tray or mat

Steps:

Step 1. Spread grains evenly on a clean tray or mat.

Step 2. Place under the sun.

Step 3. Stir grains daily to ensure all sides are dried.

Step 4. Store in clean, dry containers when fully dry.

Result: Dry grains last longer and are safe from mold.

 

2. Storing in Containers

Materials Needed: Dried cereal grains, Airtight container or jute sack

Steps:

Step 1. Ensure grains are properly dried.

Step 2. Place grains in a clean container.

Step 3. Seal the container to prevent insects and moisture.

Result: Grains remain fresh and free from pests for months.

 

3. Using Chemicals (Insecticide)

Materials Needed: Dried grains, Approved insecticide powder

Steps:

Step 1. Mix a small quantity of insecticide with dried grains.

Step 2. Shake or stir to distribute evenly.

Step 3. Store grains in a clean container.

Result: Insects are killed, and grains are preserved.

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

INSTRUCTION – Choose the correct answer from the options A – D

1. Which of the following is a method of preserving cereal crops?

A. Sun drying

B. Cooking

C. Planting

D. Watering

 

2. Storing dried grains in silos helps to prevent ______.

A. germination

B. spoilage

C. cooking

D. planting

 

3. The process of separating grains from husks is called ______.

A. Winnowing

B. Smoking

C. Threshing

D. Canning

 

4. Which of these protects grains from insect attack?

A. Using insecticides

B. Planting more crops

C. Watering grains

D. Cooking grains

 

5. Sun drying is important because it ______.

A. makes grains wet

B. makes grains grow faster

C. adds flavor

D. removes moisture from grains

 

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS 

6. Name two cereal crops grown in Nigeria.

7. What is the purpose of sun drying cereal grains? Answer:

8. Why is storing grains in airtight containers important?

9. Mention one effect of poor preservation of cereal crops.

10. What is winnowing?

 

FILL IN THE GAP QUESTIONS 

INSTRUCTION – Fill in the gap with the correct answer. 

11. Freshly harvested grains should be properly ______ before storage.

12. Chemicals or powders used to kill insects in grains are called ______.

13. Storing grains in silos or granaries protects them from ______ and rodents.

14. Overcrowding in storage can lead to ______ of cereal grains.

15. Smoking cereal grains helps to protect them from insects and ______.

 

ANSWER KEY

1. A 2. B 3. C 4. A 5. D

6. Maize and rice / Millet and sorghum (any two correct answers)

7. To remove moisture and prevent spoilage.

8. To protect grains from insects, rodents, and moisture.

9. The grains may rot or be eaten by pests.

10. Winnowing is the process of separating grains from husks and dirt.

11. Dried

12. Insecticides

13. Moisture / Insects

14. Spoilage

15. Mould