AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

THEME: AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING AND MECHANISATION

CLASS – SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS (SS 1)

PREVIOUS LESSON – Agricultural Science Plan Lesson Notes for Senior Secondary Schools – SSS 1

TOPIC – PROSPECTS OF AGRICULTURAL MECHANISATION

LEARNING AREA

1. Meaning of Agricultural Mechanisation

2. Problems of Agricultural Mechanisation

3. Solutions to the Problems of Agricultural Mechanisation

4. Benefits of Agricultural Mechanisation

5. Lesson Evaluation and Weekly Assessment (Test)

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES 

By the end of the lesson, most of the students should have attained the following objectives –

1. define agricultural mechanisation.

2. state the problems of agricultural mechanisation.

3. identify possible ways of improving agriculture through mechanisation.

4. state the benefits of agricultural mechanisation.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

The teacher will teach the lesson with the aid of:

1. Instructional resource

2. Guest lecturer.

CONTENT OF THE LESSON

MEANING/DEFINITION OF AGRICULTURAL MECHANISATION

Agricultural mechanization is the process of development and application of machines such as tractors, harrows, ploughs, sprayers, planters, etc. in the farming process. Agricultural mechanization may also be defined as the use of tools, implements, machines, equipment and technology in the cultivation of farm lands and processing of food.

Agricultural mechanisation refers to the use of various mechanical devices, machinery, and technologies in the field of agriculture to increase efficiency, productivity, and quality of crop production. This can include the use of tractors, harvesters, irrigation systems, and other equipment to automate and streamline tasks such as plowing, planting, weeding, harvesting, and processing crops. Agricultural mechanisation plays a crucial role in modern farming practices by reducing the need for manual labor, improving crop yields, and enhancing overall agricultural productivity.

Agricultural mechanization involves the substitution of crude farm implements and practices with advanced machines and systems of rearing plants and animals.

BENEFITS OF AGRICULTURAL MECHANISATION

Agricultural mechanisation offers numerous benefits for farmers, the agricultural sector, and society as a whole by improving productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in agriculture which include:

1. It increases productivity – Agricultural machinery can help farmers increase their productivity by automating tasks such as planting, harvesting, and irrigation. This can result in higher crop yields and improved efficiency in farm operations.

2. It saved cost – Mechanisation can help farmers save costs by reducing the need for manual labor, increasing efficiency in farm operations, and reducing post-harvest losses. This can lead to higher profits for farmers.

3. It is time-saving – Agricultural machinery can help farmers accomplish tasks more quickly and efficiently, saving time and allowing them to focus on other aspects of their farm operations.

4. It improves farm operations – Mechanisation can lead to more precise and accurate planting, fertilising, and harvesting, resulting in better crop quality and overall farm management.

5. It reduces drudgery – By automating labor-intensive tasks, agricultural mechanisation can reduce the physical strain on farmers, improving their working conditions and overall well-being.

6. It enhances food security – Increased productivity and efficiency in agriculture through mechanisation can help ensure food security by increasing food production and availability.

7. It promotes sustainable practice in agriculture – Agricultural mechanisation can help promote sustainable agriculture practices by reducing the need for chemical inputs, improving water management, and reducing environmental impacts.

PROBLEMS OF AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION IN NIGERIA

There are several challenges and problems associated with agricultural mechanisation in Nigeria. Addressing the challenges and implementing effective strategies to promote and support agricultural mechanisation is crucial for improving the efficiency and productivity of the agricultural sector in Nigeria. Some of the key issues of agricultural mechanization include:

1. High Cost – The cost of purchasing agricultural machinery and equipment is often prohibitively high for small-scale farmers in Nigeria. This makes it difficult for them to adopt mechanisation and modern farming practices.

2. Lack of Access to Credit – Many small-scale farmers in Nigeria have limited access to credit or financial resources to invest in agricultural machinery. This hinders their ability to mechanise their farming operations.

3. Poor Infrastructure – The lack of proper infrastructure, such as good roads and electricity, in many rural areas of Nigeria hampers the effective use of agricultural machinery. This can lead to increased downtime, repair costs, and inefficiencies.

4. Lack of Technical Skills and Training – Many farmers in Nigeria lack the necessary skills and training to operate and maintain modern agricultural machinery. This limits their ability to fully utilise the potential benefits of mechanisation.

5. Limited Availability of Spare Parts and Maintenance Services – The availability of spare parts and maintenance services for agricultural machinery is often limited in many parts of Nigeria. This can result in delays in repair and maintenance, leading to decreased productivity.

6. Inadequate Government Support – The lack of government support in terms of policies, incentives, and funding for agricultural mechanisation further hinders its adoption and widespread implementation in Nigeria.

7. Land tenure system, poverty and Inaccessibility of credit, Illiteracy of the farmers, etc.

POSSIBLE WAYS OF IMPROVING AGRICULTURAL MECHANISATION

There are several strategies that can be implemented to improve agricultural mechanisation in Nigeria. Effective implementation of these strategies and addressing the challenges hindering agricultural mechanisation in Nigeria, the agricultural sector can be transformed to be more efficient, productive, and sustainable. Some of the ways to Improve agricultural mechanization –

1. Government Support – The government can play a key role in promoting agricultural mechanisation by implementing policies that support the acquisition and use of agricultural machinery, providing financial incentives or subsidies, and investing in infrastructure improvement.

2. Access to Credit – Initiatives that provide small-scale farmers with access to credit and financing options can help them invest in agricultural machinery and equipment.

3. Training and Capacity Building – Providing farmers with technical skills training and capacity-building programs can improve their ability to operate and maintain agricultural machinery effectively.

4. Research and Development – Investing in research and development to develop appropriate and affordable technologies for small-scale farmers can help in improving agricultural mechanisation in Nigeria.

5. Collaboration and Partnerships – Encouraging collaboration and partnerships between private sector companies, government agencies, research institutions, and farmers’ cooperatives can help in promoting the adoption of agricultural mechanisation.

6. Infrastructure Development – Improving infrastructure, such as roads, electricity, and irrigation systems, in rural areas can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of agricultural mechanisation.

7. Access to Spare Parts and Maintenance Services – Ensuring the availability of spare parts and maintenance services for agricultural machinery can help in reducing downtime and increasing the longevity of the equipment.

PRESENTATION

TEACHER’S ACTIVITIES

Tecaher, 

1. leads a class discuss the meaning of agricultural mechanisation.

2. invites a guest lecturer on:

• The problems of agricultural mechanisation.

• The possible solutions to the problem of agricultural mechanisation.

• The benefits of agricultural mechanisation.

3. summarizes the lesson on the board.

STUDENT’S ACTIVITIES

Students,

1. define agricultural mechanisation.

2. listen attentively to guest lecturer and ask questions.

3. copy as the teacher writes.

LESSON EVALUATION 

Teacher asks students to:

1. define agricultural mechanisation.

2. state 5 problems of agricultural mechanisation.

3. state the possible solutions to the problems of agricultural mechanisation in question 2.

4. state three possible ways of improving agriculture through mechanisation.

5. state 5 benefits of agricultural mechanisation.