TOPIC: Classification of crops (based on uses):
(a) Food and Feed crops (b) Industrial crops: Oil, Spices, Latex, Beverages,
Fibre ,etc
Content:
(i) Classification of crops based on food and feed crops
(ii) Classification of crops based on industrial crops.
Sub-Topic 1: Food and Feed Crops.
These are crops used as food for man and his livestock. Some of these crops are
sources of essential nutrients, e.g carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, etc . FOOD and
FEED crops are grouped as follow :
CEREAL CROPS: These crops belong to the grass family called Gramineae. They are
grown for their seeds or grains and are rich in carbohydrates.
Examples are Rice, Millet, Rye, Maize, Sorghum (Guinea corn), wheat, Barley, Oats
etc.
GRAIN LEGUMES (PULSES): The legumes or peas belongs to the family called
LEGUMINOSEAE. They supply proteins in the food . Legumes have some bacteria in
their roots’ nodules that fix nitrogen into the soil .
Examples are Cowpea, Soya-beans, Groundnuts, Pigeon-peas, lima beans, Clover,
etc.
VEGETABLE CROPS: These are crops grown for their leaves and fruits. They are
usually eaten fresh and green or boiled. They supply proteins, vitamins , minerals and
also serve as roughage.
Examples are Okra, Tomatoes, pumpkin ( Ugu) Water-leaf, Lettuce, Cabbage,
Cucumber, Onion, Bitter-leaf, Amaranthus, etc .
ROOT AND TUBER CROPS: These are crops that store food in underground stems
or roots. They are major source of carbohydrates.
Examples are Cocoyam, Cassava, Sweet potato, Yam and Irish-potato.
Fruit crops: They grown mainly because of their fruits which supply vitamins and
sugar to the body.
Examples include mango, quava, orange, pineapple, pawpaw, banana, cashew etc
Sugar crops: These are crops that supply sugar to the body. Example is Sugar cane
Beverage crops: They are crops that are grown for beverage drinks( e.g. bourvita,
tea, coffee) . Examples are cocoa, coffee and tea.
Oil crops: They are crops that are grown for vegetable oil used for cooking, making
pomade, candle, margarine.
Examples are oil palm, groundnut, coconut, melon, cheese butter
Spices: These are crops that are used to flavor food. Examples are ginger, onion,
pepper , thyme, curry, locust beans
FORAGE CROPS: These are grasses and legumes grown mainly for feeding farm
animals. They are otherwise called feed crops.
Examples of forage crops are Elephant grass, Guinea grass, Centrosema, Gamba
grass, Pueraria, Stylosanthes gracilis.
EVALUATION:
- Highlight four food and feed crops with two examples for each.
- Name five forage crops.
Sub-Topic 2: Industrial crops
Industrial crops are used in the manufacture of various useful items . These include
FIBRE CROPS: These are crops grown specifically for their fibres. Fibres are used for
making clothes, Carpets, Sacks, Ropes, Twines and Papers. They may be produced
from Fruits or Seeds , Stems or Leaves. Examples are Cotton, Jute, Kenaf, Hemp,
Sisal, Raffia, etc.
NUT CROPS: They grown mainly for their oil. Examples are cashew, coconut ,
groundnut
LATEX CROPS: These are crops whose stems or fruits produce Sap(fluid) which may
be used as gum or coagulated to form rubber.
Examples are Gum Arabia ,Para-Rubber(Hevea brasiliensis), Indian- Rubber(Ficus
elastic).
DRUG CROPS AND STIMILANTS: These are medicinal plants which contain
chemical substances that produce an action in the human body. Examples are
Tobacco, Cocaine, Quinine, Eucalyptus, Neem tree, Indian hemp or Marijuana
Dongoyaro etc. Examples of stimulants are Kola, Lime, The active material is usually
present in their Roots, Seeds, Leaves, Barks, Woods, etc.
ORNAMENTAL CROPS: These are crops grown for the purpose of making our
environment beautiful. They include Flowers, House Plants, Hedge Shrubs and Lawn
grasses. Examples are Roses, Sunflower, Pride of Barbados, Acacia, Ixora, Hibiscus,
Marigold, Lily, and some water plants.
EVALUATION: - What are industrial crops?
- List four industrial crops with three examples for each
PRE-READING ASSIGNMENT: Read about the ecological distribution of crops and
factors affecting distribution of crops in Nigeria.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENTS:
Junior secondary Agriculture (workbook 1)byAnthony.Youdeowei et-al pages 19-21
REFERENCE TEXTS - Junior Secondary Agriculture For Nigerian Schools By Anthony Youdeowei et
al - Intensive Agricultural science For JSS 1-3 By E . U Okaro
- Essentials Of Agricultural Science For JSS And Colleges By Earnest Chukwudi