Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Describe tools for harvesting and post-harvest processes.
• Explain the importance of these tools for efficiency.
• Identify benefits of mechanisation for all farmers.
• Discuss the role of irrigation and drainage systems.

Lesson summary

In Ghana, we are blessed with fertile land and hardworking farmers who produce a variety of crops like maize, cassava, yam, and cocoa. However, a significant problem we face is post-harvest loss. It is estimated that up to 30-40% of some crops spoil between the farm and the dinner table. This means less food for our population and less income for our farmers. Modern agricultural mechanisation, especially the use of proper harvesting and post-harvest machinery, is a powerful solution to this problem.

Lesson notes

This topic revolves around the processes and equipment used after a crop has matured in the field. Let's break down the key ideas. A. Fundamental Definitions Harvesting: The process of gathering a ripe crop from the fields. It involves actions like reaping (cutting grains), reaping (digging up tubers), or picking (fruits). Post-Harvest Operations: All the activities that take place immediately after harvesting and before the food reaches the consumer or goes into long-term storage. These include threshing, shelling, drying, cleaning, sorting, grading, and packaging. The goal of these operations is to preserve the quality and quantity of the harvested produce. Post-Harvest Loss: The reduction in the quantity and quality of food production from the time of harvest until consumption. B. Differentiating Equipment: Tools vs. Implements vs. Machinery

It's important to use the correct terms for agricultural equipment.

| Category | Description | Power Source | Ghanaian Examples | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Tools | Simple, hand-held devices. | Human muscle power. | Cutlass, sickle, hoe, picking knife. | | Implements | Devices attached to a power source. They do not have their own engine. | Animal (e.g., bullock) or a tractor. | Tractor-drawn plough, ridger, trailer. | | Machinery | Complex, self-powered devices with their own engine. | Internal combustion engine or electric motor. | Combine harvester, tractor, mechanical dryer, gari processing machine. |

Our focus today is primarily on modern machinery, which significantly increases efficiency. C. Key Harvest and Post-Harvest Machinery for Ghanaian Crops

Evaluation guide

• Describe the uses of harvest and post -harvest tools, implements and
• machinery in Agri cultural production
• Experiential learning: Learners in mixed -ability groups embark on a visit
• to a nearby agro processing factory/watch a video on the uses of harvest,