(a) What is crop farming? (2 marks) (b) Outline any four measures that can be adopted to increase crop production in your country. (12 marks) (c) State any ...

Answer Details

(a) Crop farming. Crop farming is the branch of agriculture concerned with the cultivation of plants (crops) such as maize, rice, cassava, yam, cocoa, and cotton for food, raw materials, or sale.

(b) Four measures to increase crop production.

• Provision of credit facilities. Making loans available at low interest allows farmers to buy inputs and expand output.
• Use of improved inputs. Supplying high-yielding seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides raises yield per hectare.
• Mechanisation. Using tractors and modern equipment increases the area cultivated and reduces drudgery.
• Irrigation and water control. Providing irrigation reduces dependence on rainfall and allows all-year farming.
• Extension services and education. Training farmers in modern techniques improves practices and productivity.
• Provision of infrastructure and markets. Good roads, storage, and stable prices encourage farmers to produce more.

(c) Two contributions of the industrial sector to agriculture.

• Supply of farm inputs and machinery. Industry manufactures tractors, fertilisers, pesticides, and tools that raise farm output.
• Processing and market for produce. Agro-based industries buy and process raw farm produce, giving farmers a ready market and adding value.
• Provision of storage and packaging materials. Industry supplies sacks, cans, and preservation facilities that reduce post-harvest losses.

Examination takeaway. In part (b) each measure should be a distinct action a government or farmer can take; briefly explaining how it raises output earns the fuller marks rather than a bare list.