Senior Secondary School (SSS) Agricultural Science Curriculum
Term 1: Agricultural Production and Management
1. Introduction to Agriculture
Meaning and importance of agriculture
Branches of agriculture
Agricultural industries and their importance
2. Crop Production
Definition and importance of crop production
Types of crops: food, cash, and industrial crops
Principles of crop production
Soil preparation and conservation
Crop rotation and intercropping
Planting systems: spacing, planting depth, and time
3. Livestock Production
Types of livestock: poultry, cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs
Importance of livestock in agriculture
Principles of livestock management
Animal housing and husbandry
Breeding and selection in livestock
4. Agricultural Tools and Equipment
Types of farm tools: hand tools and mechanized tools
Maintenance and care of tools
Introduction to farm machinery
5. Agricultural Economy
Agricultural policies
Agribusiness and its role in agriculture
Cost and pricing in agricultural products
Marketing of agricultural products
Term 2: Agricultural Practices and Technology
1. Soil Science
Importance of soil in agriculture
Soil properties and types
Soil erosion and conservation methods
Fertility management: organic and inorganic fertilizers
Soil testing and interpretation
2. Pest and Disease Management
Types of pests and diseases in crops and livestock
Methods of controlling pests and diseases
Chemical and biological control measures
Integrated pest management (IPM)
3. Irrigation and Water Management
Importance of water in agriculture
Types of irrigation systems
Water conservation techniques
Water quality and its impact on crops
4. Agricultural Mechanization
Introduction to mechanization in agriculture
Types of agricultural machinery
Benefits of mechanization
Repair and maintenance of agricultural machines
5. Post-Harvest Technology
Handling and storage of harvested crops
Processing techniques: drying, milling, and packaging
Preservation methods: canning, freezing, and drying
Marketing of processed agricultural products
Term 3: Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Impact
1. Agricultural Extension Services
Role of agricultural extension in rural development
Extension methods and communication techniques
Agricultural education and training
2. Sustainable Agricultural Practices
Organic farming and agroecology
Conservation agriculture: no-till farming and cover cropping
Integrated farming systems (IFS)
Agroforestry and its benefits
3. Environmental Impact of Agriculture
Effects of agricultural activities on the environment
Land degradation and desertification
Climate change and its impact on agriculture
Waste management in agriculture
4. Agricultural Policy and International Trade
National and international agricultural policies
The role of agriculture in national economic development
Global trade in agricultural products
Challenges facing global agriculture
5. Agricultural Research and Innovation
Importance of agricultural research
Research methods in agriculture
Biotechnology and genetic engineering in agriculture
Innovations in sustainable agriculture
Cross-Cutting Topics
Agricultural Safety and Health
Farm Management and Records
Youth Involvement in Agriculture
Climate-smart Agriculture