Welcome back to Primary 5 Agricultural Science. In our previous lesson, we learned about how farmers apply pesticides to effectively protect crops from pests. Today, we’re going to learn about the important steps farmers take when it’s time to harvest their crops.
Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
- Define what harvesting means.
- Identify the signs that indicate a crop is ready to be harvested.
- Understand the correct methods for harvesting different types of crops.
Harvesting Crops
What is Harvesting?
Harvesting is the process of gathering mature crops from the fields once they are fully grown and ready for consumption or sale. It is a crucial step in farming, ensuring that crops are gathered at their peak for the best quality and yield.
When is a Crop Ready to Harvest?
There are several indicators that tell farmers when a crop is ready for harvesting. Some of these indicators include:
- Color: Many crops change color as they ripen. For example, tomatoes turn from green to red when they are ready to be picked. Other examples include the ripening of bananas from green to yellow, and the change in color of grapes from green to purple or red.
- Texture: The texture of some crops changes when they are ripe. For example, ripe fruits like bananas become softer to the touch. Other examples include the softening of peaches and the firmness of avocados.
- Size: Certain crops reach a specific size when they are ready. For example, watermelons should be harvested when they are full and heavy. Other examples include the size of pumpkins and the length of corn cobs.
- Sound: Some crops produce a specific sound when tapped, indicating they are ready. For instance, a ripe watermelon will produce a hollow sound when tapped. Other examples include the sound of a ripe cantaloupe and the sound of a ripe coconut.
How to Harvest Crops Properly
There are several important steps farmers take to ensure they harvest crops properly. These steps include:
- Use the Right Tools: Always use appropriate tools for the crop you are harvesting. For example, use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut delicate fruits like grapes, and a sickle for cutting grains like wheat or barley. Other tools include a pitchfork for harvesting hay and a potato digger for harvesting potatoes.
- Handle with Care: It’s important to handle crops gently during harvesting to avoid bruising or damaging them. For example, gently twist and pull fruits like oranges from the tree to prevent them from dropping and getting damaged. Other examples include carefully picking strawberries and avoiding squeezing tomatoes.
- Harvest at the Right Time of Day: Early morning or late evening is often the best time to harvest, especially for leafy greens. During these cooler times of the day, crops are less likely to wilt or lose moisture. Other crops that benefit from harvesting during cooler times include lettuce, spinach, and kale.
- Harvest in Stages: Not all crops are ready to be harvested at the same time. Some fruits and vegetables should be picked in stages as they ripen. For example, strawberries should be harvested every few days to collect the ripe ones. Other examples include harvesting tomatoes and peppers in stages as they ripen.
- Ensure Clean and Safe Storage: After harvesting, crops should be stored properly to maintain their freshness and quality. For example, keep perishable crops like vegetables and fruits in a cool, dry place, or refrigerate them to extend their shelf life. Other examples include storing potatoes in a cool, dark place and storing onions in a well-ventilated area.
Evaluation Questions
Now that you’ve learned about the harvesting process, let’s see how well you understand:
- What is the definition of harvesting?
- Name three signs that indicate a crop is ready to be harvested.
- Why is it important to handle crops gently during harvesting?
- What are two benefits of harvesting leafy greens in the early morning or late evening?
- Why is it important to harvest some crops in stages?
- What are two ways to ensure clean and safe storage of harvested crops?
Conclusion
Great job today! Remember, harvesting crops at the right time and using the proper techniques ensures that the food we eat is fresh and of the best quality. Keep practicing what you’ve learned, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re curious about something. See you in the next lesson!
