Crops That Can Be Packaged – Basic 6 Agricultural Science Lesson Note (Second Term)

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

• Identify crops that can be packaged
• Outline factors that may affect packaging of crops

Lesson Content:

Crops That Can Be Packaged:

Fresh Crops:

• Tomatoes (in baskets or crates)
• Oranges (in nets or baskets)
• Onions (in sacks or nets)
• Carrots (in plastic bags)
• Lettuce (in plastic bags)
• Peppers (in small bags)

Processed Crops:

• Rice (in bags)
• Beans (in bags)
• Garri (in plastic bags)
• Palm oil (in bottles)
• Groundnut oil (in bottles)
• Dried fish (in cartons)
• Yam flour (in bags)

Semi-processed Crops:

• Dried tomatoes (in packets)
• Smoked fish (in cartons)
• Dried peppers (in packets)
• Roasted groundnuts (in bags)

Factors That Affect Packaging of Crops:

1. Nature of the Crop

• Liquid crops need bottles or cans
• Solid crops can use bags or boxes
• Fragile crops need protective packaging

2. Size and Weight

• Heavy crops need strong packaging materials
• Small items can use light packaging
• Large items need bigger containers

3. Shelf Life

• Perishable crops need special packaging
• Long-lasting crops can use simple packaging

4. Market Distance

• Local markets may use simple packaging
• Far markets need strong, protective packaging

5. Cost of Packaging

• Expensive crops can afford costly packaging
• Cheap crops need affordable packaging

6. Storage Conditions

• Hot climates need heat-resistant packaging
• Humid areas need moisture-proof packaging

7. Customer Preference

• Some customers prefer see-through packaging
• Others like colorful, attractive packages

Activity: Students will group different crops based on their packaging needs.

MULTIPLE CHOICE EXERCISE:

• Which crop is best packaged in bottles? 

1. a) Rice
2. b) Palm oil
3. c) Tomatoes
4. d) Onions

• What affects how we package crops? 

a) The color of the crop

b) The nature of the crop

c) The farmer’s age

d) The time of day

• Heavy crops need: 

a) Light packaging

b) Strong packaging

c) No packaging

d) Expensive packaging

HOMEWORK:

1. List 8 crops that can be packaged (4 fresh, 4 processed)
2. Name 5 factors that affect packaging of crops
3. Explain why tomatoes and palm oil need different types of packaging