NECO 2024 AGRIC ANSWERS

AGRIC OBJ

01-10: CADBDBEEBA

11-20: EACDADACBD

21-30: CCCDADAECE

31-40: BBBCECCBBB

41-50: AABEDAEDAC

51-60: EEDACDBDAD

===

NECO 2024 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE ANSWERS

 

INSTRUCTION: ANSWER ONE(1) QUESTION FROM EACH SECTION

 

SECTION A

 

(1a)

(i) Food Security: Agriculture provides food for the population, ensuring food security and reducing reliance on imports.

(ii) Employment: Agriculture creates employment opportunities for millions of Nigerians, especially in rural areas.

(iii) Foreign Exchange: Agricultural exports generate foreign exchange earnings for the country.

(iv) Raw Materials: Agriculture provides raw materials for industries, such as textiles, food processing, and beverages.

(v) GDP Contribution: Agriculture contributes significantly to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

 

(1bi)

=Inconsistent government policies=

(i) Stable Policy Framework: Establish a stable policy framework that ensures consistency and predictability.

(ii) Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with farmers, industry experts, and other stakeholders to ensure policies align with their needs.

(iii) Policy Review: Regularly review and update policies to reflect changing circumstances and emerging challenges.

 

(1bii)

=Unpredictable climate=

(i) Climate-Smart Agriculture: Promote climate-resilient agricultural practices, such as conservation agriculture and agroforestry.

(ii) Weather Insurance: Introduce weather insurance schemes to protect farmers from climate-related losses.

(iii) Early Warning Systems: Establish early warning systems to alert farmers of impending climate-related disasters.

 

(1c)

(i) Soil Conservation: Tree pullers help preserve soil structure and reduce erosion, unlike bulldozers which can compact and damage soil.

(ii) Cost-Effective: Tree pullers are often less expensive than bulldozers, making them a more accessible option for small-scale farmers.

(iii) Selective Clearance: Tree pullers allow for selective clearance of vegetation, preserving valuable trees and reducing environmental impact.

(iv) Minimal Disturbance: Tree pullers cause minimal disturbance to the soil and surrounding ecosystem, promoting sustainable agriculture practices.

(v) Local Fabrication: Tree pullers can be fabricated locally, promoting local innovation and economic growth.

===================================

 

(2ai)

Farm planning refers to the process of designing and organizing agricultural activities to achieve specific goals and objectives, considering factors like land use, crop selection, resource allocation, and production timelines.

 

(2aii)

[TABULATES]

(i) Gunter’s chain: Measuring distances and lengths in land surveying.

 

(ii) Theodolite: Determining angles and elevations in land surveying.

 

(iii) Beacon: Serving as a reference point for surveying and navigation.

 

(iv) Prismatic compass: Determining directions and bearings in land surveying.

 

(2b)

(i) Improved crop yields: Science and technology lead to the development of high-yielding crop varieties and efficient farming practices.

(ii) Enhanced food security: Science and technology help ensure a stable food supply, reducing hunger and malnutrition.

(iii) Increased efficiency: Science and technology optimize resource use, reducing waste and improving productivity.

(iv) Better decision-making: Science and technology provide data and insights for informed decision-making in agriculture.

(v) Sustainability: Science and technology promote environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural practices.

 

(2c)

(i) Raw materials: Agriculture provides raw materials for agro-allied industries, such as textiles, food processing, and beverages.

(ii) Market outlet: Agro-allied industries create a market outlet for agricultural products, ensuring a steady demand.

(iii) Value addition: Agro-allied industries add value to agricultural products, increasing their economic value.

(iv) Job creation: Agro-allied industries create employment opportunities in processing, manufacturing, and marketing.

(v) Economic growth: The relationship between agriculture and agro-allied industries contributes to overall economic growth and development.

===================================

 

*SECTION B*

(3a)

(i) Soil pH: Affects nutrient availability, nutrient uptake, and microbial activity. Optimal pH range varies by crop.

 

(ii) Soil structure: Influences water infiltration, aeration, and root growth. Good structure enables healthy root development and water penetration.

 

(iii) Topography: Impacts water runoff, erosion, and soil distribution. Flat lands are suitable for mechanized farming, while sloping lands require conservation techniques.

 

(3b)

(i) Soil formation: Rocks weather into soil, providing essential nutrients.

(ii) Soil amendment: Rocks like limestone and dolomite are used to adjust soil pH.

(iii) Water filtration: Rocks help filter water, reducing sedimentation and improving irrigation quality.

(iv) Supports infrastructure: Rocks are used in construction, enabling the building of farms, roads, and irrigation systems.

 

(3c)

(i) Leaching: Nitrogen is carried away by water, contaminating groundwater.

(ii) Denitrification: Microorganisms convert nitrogen to atmospheric gases.

(iii) Volatilization: Ammonia nitrogen is lost as a gas.

 

(3d)

(i) Heavy metals: Industrial waste and pesticides can contaminate soil with heavy metals.

(ii) Pesticide residues: Chemicals used in farming can persist in soil, harming the environment.

(iii) Industrial waste: Factories and industries can release harmful chemicals, polluting the land.

===================================

 

(4ai)

Irrigation is the artificial application of water to the soil to assist in the growing of agricultural crops, maintenance of landscapes, and re-vegetation of disturbed soils in dry areas and during periods of inadequate rainfall.

 

 

(4aii)

(i) Waterlogging: Excess water can lead to soil erosion and waterlogged fields.

(ii) Soil salinization: Irrigation can cause salt buildup in soil, reducing fertility.

(iii) Water waste: Inefficient irrigation systems can lead to water loss and waste.

(iv) Environmental impact: Irrigation can alter ecosystems and affect wildlife habitats.

 

(4b)

Nitrogen Cycle Diagram

[img]https://i.imgur.com/hgbtK0g.png[/img]

 

(4ci)

(i) Foliation: Layered structure due to pressure and temperature changes.

(ii) Mineral composition: New minerals form during metamorphism.

(iii) Texture: Changed texture due to recrystallization.

 

(4cii)

(i) Rock salt (halite): Formed through evaporation of seawater.

(ii) Gypsum: Formed through evaporation of seawater or lake water.

===================================

 

*SECTION C*

 

(5a)

(i) Soil requirement: Rubber trees require well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.

 

(ii) Climatic requirement: Rubber trees require a warm, humid climate with average temperatures between 20°C and 30°C and annual rainfall of at least 2,000 mm.

 

(iii) Planting date in nursery: Seedlings are typically planted in the nursery in the spring or early summer, when the weather is warm and humid.

 

(iv) One fungal disease: Corticium salmonicolor (pink disease) attacks the bark of rubber trees, causing damage and reducing yields.

 

(v) One industrial product: Rubber is used in the production of tires.

 

(5bi)

(i) Reduced yields

(ii) Increased susceptibility to disease

(iii) Poor growth rates

(iv) Reduced shelf life

 

(5bii)

(i) Use clean and sharp tools to prevent spreading disease

(ii) Make clean cuts, and remove any weak or damaged growth

 

(5c)

(i) High yield and productivity

(ii) Good nutritional value

(iii) Persistence and ability to withstand grazing

(iv) Ability to recover quickly from damage

(v) Resistance to disease and pests

===================================

 

(6a)

Agro-forestry is a farming system that integrates trees into agricultural landscapes to promote ecological interactions and synergies between trees and crops.

 

(6b)

(i) Ornamental plants enhance the visual appeal of gardens, parks, and landscapes.

(ii) Pests can lower the quality of produce, making it less marketable and reducing its economic value.

(iii) The roots of ornamental plants can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.

(iv) Ornamental plants provide habitat and food for various wildlife species, including birds and insects.

(6c)

(i) Yield Reduction: Insect pests can significantly reduce crop yields by feeding on plants and damaging them.

(ii) Quality Degradation: Pests can lower the quality of produce, making it less marketable and reducing its economic value.

(iii) Increased Production Costs: Farmers incur additional costs for pest control measures such as pesticides and integrated pest management practices.

(iv) Post-Harvest Losses: Insect pests can cause significant losses during storage and transportation of crops, affecting overall profitability.

 

 

(6d)

(i) Causal organism: Cacao swollen shoot virus(CSSV)

 

(ii) One symptom: Swollen shoots and leaves

 

(iii) One mode of transmission: Through insect vectors like mealybugs

 

(iv) One control measure: Removing and destroying infected plants

 

(6e)

(i) Mulching: Applying a layer of organic material to suppress weeds

(ii) Crop rotation: Changing crop species to break weed life cycles

===================================

 

*SECTION D*

 

(7a)

(i) Reduced Egg Production: High temperatures can cause heat stress in hens, leading to a decrease in the number of eggs laid.

(ii) Lower Egg Quality: Eggs produced in high temperatures may have thinner shells and poorer internal quality.

(iii) Decreased Feed Intake: Hens tend to eat less in high temperatures, which can affect their overall health and egg-laying capacity.

(iv) Increased Mortality Rates: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can increase the risk of mortality among hens due to heat exhaustion.

 

(7b)

(i) Degreasing: Bones are first cleaned and then subjected to processes that remove fat and other organic materials. This often involves boiling or steaming the bones.

(ii) Acid Treatment: The cleaned bones are treated with strong acids (like hydrochloric acid) to break down the mineral components and remove any remaining organic material.

(iii) Drying and Grinding: The treated bones are then thoroughly dried to remove all moisture. After drying, they are ground into a fine powder to produce the bone meal.

 

(7c)

(i) Regular Cleaning: Remove debris, fallen leaves, and other organic matter to maintain water quality.

(ii) Monitoring Water Quality: Regularly check parameters like pH, oxygen levels, and temperature to ensure a healthy environment for the fish.

(iii) Feeding Management: Provide the appropriate amount and type of feed to prevent overfeeding, which can lead to water pollution.

(iv) Control of Predators and Pests: Implement measures to protect the pond from predators such as birds and animals, and control pests that can harm the fish.

(v) Aeration: Use aerators to maintain adequate oxygen levels in the water, especially in ponds with high fish densities.

 

(7d)

(i) Vaccination: Administering vaccines to livestock to prevent the spread of common infectious diseases.

(ii) Quarantine: Isolating new or sick animals to prevent the spread of disease to healthy stock.

(iii) Proper Sanitation: Maintaining clean living conditions by regularly cleaning barns, equipment, and water sources to reduce the risk of infection.

(iv) Regular Health Checks: Conducting routine health examinations and monitoring for early signs of disease to provide prompt treatment and prevent outbreaks.

===================================

 

(8a)

(i) Enlargement of the udder

(ii) Relaxation of the pelvic ligaments

(iii) Bulging of the vulva

(iv) Restlessness and frequent lying down

 

(8b)

(i) Decreased Egg Production: Infested birds often lay fewer eggs due to stress and discomfort.

(ii) Feather Damage and Loss: Lice cause irritation that leads to excessive preening and feather damage or loss.

(iii) Anemia: Severe infestations can lead to anemia, as lice feed on the bird’s blood, causing weakness and potentially death in extreme cases.

 

(8c)

(i) Causal organism: Aphthovirus

 

(ii) One symptom: Blisters on the feet and mouth

 

(iii) One mode of transmission: Direct contact with infected animals

 

(iv) One control measure: Vaccination and quarantine

===

(8d)

(i) Artificial vagina method: A method where a device mimicking the female reproductive tract is used to collect semen from a male animal.

(ii) Electro-ejaculation method: A technique where electrical stimulation is applied to the male reproductive organs to induce ejaculation.

 

 

(8e)

(i) Controlled Grazing: Implementing rotational grazing systems to prevent overgrazing and allow vegetation to recover, which maintains soil health and plant diversity.

(ii) Reseeding: Introducing desirable plant species through reseeding to improve plant cover and forage quality.

(iii) Soil Fertility Management: Applying fertilizers or organic amendments to enhance soil fertility, promote healthy plant growth, and increase forage production.

===================================

 

*SECTION E*

 

(9a)

(i) Increased productivity and efficiency: Entrepreneurial farmers adopt innovative practices, leading to better resource allocation and higher yields.

(ii) Improved farm income and profitability: Entrepreneurial farmers are more likely to diversify their income streams, leading to increased profitability and financial stability.

(iii) Enhanced sustainability and competitiveness: Entrepreneurial farmers are more likely to adopt sustainable practices, leading to long-term viability and competitiveness in the market.

 

(9b)

(i) Assets: List of everything owned by the farm or business, including land, equipment, livestock, and crops.

(ii) Liabilities: List of all debts and obligations, including loans, credit, and other financial obligations.

 

(9c)

(i) Improving agricultural productivity: Extension services provide training and support to farmers to improve crop yields and animal productivity.

(ii) Enhancing farm income and livelihoods: Extension services help farmers diversify their income streams and improve their overall livelihoods.

(iii) Promoting sustainable agricultural practices: Extension services promote environmentally friendly practices, such as conservation agriculture and integrated pest management.

(iv) Increasing access to markets and technology: Extension services help farmers access new markets and technologies, such as precision agriculture and e-extension services.

(v) Empowering rural communities and farmers: Extension services empower farmers and rural communities by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to improve their lives.

 

(9d)

TABULATE PLEASE

| Features | Group Method | Mass Method |

 

=UNDER FEATURES=

(i) Target audience

(ii) Communication style

(iii) Feedback and evaluation

 

=UNDER GROUP METHOD=

(i) Small, specific groups of farmers with similar needs and interests

(ii) Personal, interactive, and participatory, allowing for feedback and discussion

(iii) Encourages direct feedback and evaluation from farmers, allowing for adaptation and improvement

 

=UNDER MASS METHOD=

(i) Large, general audience of farmers, often with diverse needs and interests

(ii) Impersonal, one-way communication, often through media channels or public events

(iii) Limited opportunities for feedback and evaluation, making it difficult to assess impact and make adjustments

===================================

 

(10a)

(i) Labor management and supervision: Managing and supervising farm workers, including hiring, training, and performance evaluation.

(ii) Financial management and budgeting: Managing the farm’s finances, including budgeting, forecasting, and making financial decisions.

(iii) Crop and animal disease management: Identifying and controlling diseases that affect crops and animals, including implementing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.

(iv) Marketing and sales of farm products: Finding and accessing markets for farm products, including pricing, packaging, and promoting products.

(v) Equipment maintenance and repair: Regularly maintaining and repairing farm equipment to ensure efficiency and reduce downtime.

===

(10b)

(i) Product development and planning: Developing and planning agricultural products to meet market demands, including product packaging and branding.

(ii) Pricing and valuation: Determining the price of agricultural products based on market conditions, production costs, and other factors.

(iii) Distribution and logistics: Transporting and storing agricultural products to ensure efficient delivery to markets.

(iv) Promotion and advertising: Promoting agricultural products to increase awareness and demand, including advertising, sales promotions, and public relations.

 

(10c)

(i) Production risk: Risks associated with crop or animal production, including weather, pests, diseases, and soil degradation.

(ii) Market risk: Risks associated with market fluctuations, including price changes, demand shifts, and competition.

(iii) Financial risk: Risks associated with financial management, including loan repayment, cash flow, and investment decisions.

 

(10d)

(i) Visual learning and observation: Farmers can see and learn from demonstrations, making it easier to understand and adopt new practices.

(ii) Practical skill development: Demonstrations provide hands-on experience, allowing farmers to develop practical skills and confidence.

(iii) Increased adoption and implementation: Demonstrations can increase the adoption and implementation of new practices and technologies.

(iv) Improved retention and recall: Demonstrations can improve farmers’ retention and recall of information, making it easier to apply new knowledge and skills.

===================================

COMPLETED