What are the steps involved in crop production? Explain each step in two lines.
Answers
The agricultural cycle is the annual cycle of activities related to the growth and harvest of a crop (Plant.) These activities include loosening the soil, seeding, special watering, moving plants when they grow bigger, and harvesting, among others.
The main steps for agricultural practices include preparation of soil, sowing, adding manure and fertilizers, irrigation, harvesting and storage.
1 Crop Selection
Comparative pricing of different crops. For some crops government releases prices of the crop at the time of seeding.
Market demand and sale potential of the crop.
Budget required for the cultivation of each crop.
Feasibility of the crop considering climate and quality of land.
Crop productivity compared with other alternatives.
2 Land Preparation
Effects of any disease from the previous cultivation and steps needed to minimize this impact.
Fertilizers needed to bring land to its normal fertility depending upon the previous crops and fertilizer used.
Layout and design of the field with respect to crop for efficient irrigation.
Latest techniques for leveling the fields and their cost.
3 Seed Selection
Price and quantity needed per acre
Average yield and sprout to sown ratio.
Suitability to particular area and climate.
Water requirement.
Resistance to diseases.
Location of distribution offices for the seed.
4 Seed Sowing
Appropriate time to sow the seed.
Optimal weather conditions at sowing time.
Best method for the sowing of seeds.
Seed sowing depth.
5 Irrigation
Critical time for irrigation.
Amount of water to be given to the plants.
Frequency of irrigation.
6 Crop Growth
Number of plants per unit of area. At times more than optimum number of seeds sprouts are planted in a given area. Farmers must reduce density for healthy growth of plants.
Average growth rate of the crop in normal conditions.
Comparison of crop growth rate, leaf size, crop color etc. with expected growth for given conditions and input.
Interventions needed to maintain expected growth.
Frequency, quantity and method for fertilization.
Proper time, frequency and method for plowing.
Proper time, frequency and method for weeding.
Expected pest and virus attacks, symptoms of such attacks, precautionary measure that can be taken in advance to avoid these attacks, immediate actions including pesticide to be used to kill pests and viruses, quantity of pesticide to be used per acre, most effective method for pesticide spray, avoid health issues related to pesticide spray.
7 Harvesting
Proper time and method for harvesting.
Comparative market rates.
Proper crop storage.
Cost of transportation.