Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1
ECONOMIC PRODUCTION OF CROPS
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ECONOMIC PRODUCTION OF CROPS
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Subject: Agricultural Science
Class: SHS 1
Term: 1st Term
Week: 11
Grade code: 1.2.1.LI.2
Strand code: 2
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: 1.2.1.CS.1
Indicator code: 1.2.1.LI.2
Theme: FARMING FOR JOBS AND INCOME
Subtheme: ECONOMIC PRODUCTION OF CROPS
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This lesson series moves beyond viewing farming as a simple way to grow food for the family (subsistence farming). We will explore crop production as a business—an enterprise that can create jobs and generate significant income. In a country like Ghana, with a growing population and increasing demand for fresh vegetables in our cities, hotels, and restaurants, understanding the economic principles of crop production is a vital skill. This lesson will equip you with the knowledge and practical skills to plan, execute, and manage a small-scale crop production project profitably, whether it is for vegetables like cabbage and carrots or ornamental plants for landscaping and decoration.
This topic involves a systematic process. We can break down the "organisation and production" of crops into seven key stages. Stage 1: Crop Selection
This is the most critical decision. Choosing the wrong crop can lead to losses even with the best farming practices. The goal is to select a crop that you can grow well and sell for a profit. Factors to Consider: Market Demand: Is there a ready market for the crop? Who will buy it? (e.g., Local market women, hotels, supermarkets, schools). High-demand vegetables in Ghana include lettuce, cabbage, carrot, spring onions, garden eggs, and okro. For ornamentals, consider popular landscaping plants like hibiscus, bougainvillea, ixora, or lawn grasses. Climatic and Soil Requirements: Does the crop grow well in your specific location? (e.g., Cabbage and carrots prefer the cooler temperatures of the southern forest and transition zones, while okro and garden eggs are more heat-tolerant). You must match the crop to the local ecology. Production Cycle (Gestation Period): How long does it take from planting to harvesting? Short-cycle crops like lettuce (45-60 days) or okro (50-65 days) provide a quicker return on investment than long-cycle crops. Profitability: Consider the cost of inputs (seeds, fertilizer) versus the potential selling price. Some crops, like bell peppers or broccoli, have high input costs but also fetch very high prices. Pest and Disease Resistance: Some local varieties are more resistant to common pests and diseases, which can reduce the cost of pesticides.
Example: A student in Kumasi wants to start a small vegetable farm. They have access to water and a small plot of land near a residential area with several 'chop bars'. *Bad Choice:* Wheat. It does not grow well in the Ghanaian climate. *Good Choice:* Lettuce or Spring Onions. They have a short production cycle, are in high demand by food vendors and residents, and grow well in the Ashanti region's climate. Stage 2: Production Planning and Budgeting
This is where you plan your "business." A budget helps you estimate costs and potential profit before you even plant a seed. A Simple Budget includes: Variable Costs (Inputs): Costs that change with the size of your farm. Examples: Seeds/seedlings, fertilizer, manure, pesticides, water, labour for weeding/harvesting. Fixed Costs (Less common for small scale): Costs that don't change, like rent for land or cost of tools (e.g., cutlass, watering can). Expected Revenue: The money you expect to make. Calculated as: Expected Yield (kg, number of heads, etc.) x Expected Price per Unit (GHS). Profit/Loss: Total Revenue - Total Costs.