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

WEEK 9 – PRESERVATION OF OIL CROPS

OIL CROPS IN NIGERIA 

Oil crops in Nigeria include oil palm, groundnut (peanut), soybean, coconut, sesame (beniseed).

 

METHODS OF PRESERVING OIL CROPS IN NIGERIA

1. Sun Drying – Oil crops are dried under the sun to remove moisture. Dry crops do not spoil easily. For examples: Groundnut, sesame, soybean.

2. Storage in Airtight Containers or Bags – Dried crops are stored in clean sacks, drums, or containers. It protects crops from moisture and insects. Gore examples: Groundnut, soybean.

3. Smoking – Some oil crops are lightly smoked. Smoke helps to prevent insect attack. For examples: Oil palm fruits.

4. Use of Chemicals – Approved chemicals are applied to protect stored crops. It prevents insect damage. For examples: Groundnut, sesame.

5. Processing into Oil – Oil crops are processed into oil. Oil lasts longer than raw crops. For examples: Palm oil, groundnut oil, coconut oil.

 

PRACTICAL DEMONSTRATION: HOW TO PRESERVE OIL CROPS

1. Sun Drying Groundnut

Materials Needed: Fresh groundnut, mat or tray, sunlight.

Steps:

Step 1. Remove groundnut from pods.

Step 2. Spread groundnut on a clean mat.

Step 3. Dry under the sun for several days.

Step 4. Store in a dry container.

Result: Groundnut becomes dry and can be stored for a long time.

 

PRACTICAL DEMONSTRATION: PRODUCING OIL FROM OIL CROPS

1. Producing Groundnut Oil 

Materials Needed: Groundnut, frying pan, grinder, clean bowl.

Steps:

1. Dry and roast the groundnut lightly.

2. Grind the roasted groundnut into paste.

3. Heat the paste gently in a pan.

4. Oil separates from the paste.

5. Collect the oil in a clean container.

Result: Groundnut oil is produced and can be stored.

 

2. Producing Palm Oil 

Materials Needed: Oil palm fruits.

Steps:

Step 1. Boil the palm fruits.

Step 2. Pound or mash the fruits.

Step 3. Add water and press to extract oil.

Step 4. Skim the oil from the top.

Result: Palm oil is produced.

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

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

1. Which of the following is an oil crop?

A. Yam

B. Maize

C. Cassava

D. Groundnut

 

2. Removing moisture from oil crops to prevent spoilage is called ______.

A. boiling

B. frying

C. drying

D. soaking

 

3. Which oil crop is used to produce palm oil?

A. Coconut

B. Oil palm

C. Groundnut

D. Soybean

 

4. Storing dried oil crops in airtight containers helps to prevent ______.

A. insect attack

B. growth

C. planting

D. cooking

 

5. Which of the following is a product made from oil crops?

A. Garri

B. Palm oil

C. Yam flour

D. Bread

 

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS 

6. Mention two examples of oil crops grown in Nigeria.

Answer: Oil palm and groundnut / Soybean and coconut.

7. Why should oil crops be properly dried before storage?

Answer: To remove moisture and prevent spoilage.

8. What is the first step in producing groundnut oil?

Answer: Drying or roasting the groundnut.

9. Mention one method of preserving oil crops.

Answer: Sun drying / Storing in airtight containers / Processing into oil.

10. Why is oil processed from crops stored in clean containers?

 

FILL IN THE GAP QUESTIONS 

11. Groundnut, soybean, and oil palm are examples of ______ crops.

12. Exposing oil crops to sunlight to remove water is called ______.

13. Palm oil is produced from the fruit of the ______ palm.

14. Heating groundnut paste helps the ______ to separate.

15. Clean and dry containers help oil crops to last ______.

 

ANSWER KEY

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

6. Oil palm and groundnut / Soybean and coconut.

7. To remove moisture and prevent spoilage.

8. Drying or roasting the groundnut.

9. Sun drying / Storing in airtight containers / Processing into oil.

10. To keep it clean and prevent contamination.

11. Oil

12. Sun drying

13. Oil

14. Oil

15. Longer