Conservation of Oil Crops: Soya Bean, Oil Palm, Groundnut – Basic 6 Agricultural Science Lesson Note (First Term)

Learning Objectives: By the end of this lesson, pupils should be able to:

• Identify oil crops
• Describe the preservation of oil crops
• Produce oil from oil crops

Lesson Content:

What are Oil Crops? Oil crops are plants grown mainly for the oil extracted from their seeds or fruits.

Examples of Oil Crops:

• Oil palm
• Groundnut (peanut)
• Soya bean
• Melon (egusi)
• Coconut
• Sesame (beniseed)

Methods of Preserving Oil Crops:

1. Proper Drying

• Dry seeds thoroughly in the sun
• Ensure moisture content is very low

2. Clean Storage

• Remove dirt, stones, and damaged seeds
• Use clean, dry containers

3. Pest Control

• Protect from insects and rodents
• Use natural repellents like neem leaves

4. Processing into Oil

• Extract oil from seeds/fruits
• Oil lasts longer than the original seeds

Simple Oil Extraction Process:

1. Groundnut Oil: 
   1. Roast groundnuts lightly
   2. Grind into paste
   3. Press or boil to extract oil
2. Palm Oil: 
   1. Boil palm fruits
   2. Pound to separate oil
   3. Heat to get clean oil
3. Coconut Oil: 
   1. Grate coconut meat
   2. Squeeze to get milk
   3. Heat milk to extract oil

Storage of Oil Crops:

• Use airtight containers
• Store in cool, dry places
• Check regularly for pests
• Keep away from moisture

HOMEWORK:

1. Name 5 oil crops
2. Describe how to extract groundnut oil
3. Why should oil crops be dried before storage?