Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1
ECONOMIC PRODUCTION OF CROPS
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ECONOMIC PRODUCTION OF CROPS
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Subject: Agricultural Science
Class: SHS 1
Term: 1st Term
Week: 10
Grade code: 1.2.1.LI.2
Strand code: 2
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: 1.2.1.CS.1
Indicator code: 1.2.1.LI.2
Theme: FARMING FOR JOBS AND INCOME
Subtheme: ECONOMIC PRODUCTION OF CROPS
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Welcome, future agripreneurs! Today, we are moving beyond simply knowing about crops. We are learning how to turn our knowledge into a profitable venture. In Ghana, agriculture is the backbone of our economy, but many young people see it as just hard work with little reward. This lesson will show you that by applying business principles—planning, record-keeping, and smart marketing—farming, especially vegetable and ornamental production, can be a source of steady income and a viable career path.
This lesson focuses on the practical steps of organising and executing a crop production project as a business. We will break this down into four main areas: A. Project Planning, B. Practical Production, C. Record Keeping, and D. Basic Economic Analysis. A. Project Planning: The Foundation of Success
Before you put a single seed in the ground, a good farmer thinks like a business owner. This is the "Organise" part of our indicator. Crop Selection: What should you grow? Don't just pick your favourite food. Consider these factors: Market Demand: Is there a ready market? Who will buy it? (e.g., Lettuce is in high demand by salad bars and hotels in cities; Okro is a staple in every Ghanaian home). Growth Cycle: How long does it take to mature? Short-cycle crops like lettuce (40-50 days) or okro (50-60 days) give a quicker return on investment. Climatic Suitability: Does the crop grow well in our local climate and at this time of year? Input Cost & Availability: Are the seeds or planting materials (cuttings) affordable and easy to find? (e.g., Hibiscus can be propagated for free from a neighbour's hedge). Yield Potential: How much can you realistically harvest from a small plot?
Example: Vegetable Choice: Okro (`Abelmoschus esculentus`). High local demand, relatively hardy, and can be harvested multiple times. Ornamental Choice: Hibiscus (`Hibiscus rosa-sinensis`). Easy to propagate from cuttings, drought-tolerant, and has a ready market for landscaping. Budgeting: A budget is a financial plan. It estimates all your expected costs (Expenditure) and potential income (Revenue). Expenditure (Costs): What you will spend money on. Variable Costs: Costs that change with the size of your farm (e.g., seeds, fertilizer, water, labour if you hire someone). Fixed Costs: Costs that don't change, regardless of size (e.g., cost of a cutlass or watering can that you can reuse). For a small school project, we will focus on variable costs. Revenue (Income): The money you expect to make from selling your produce.