JAMB Agricultural Science Past Questions & Answers

In agriculture, demand and supply are interdependent factors. Demand refers to the quantity of agricultural products that consumers are willing and able to purchase at a given price. Supply, on the other hand, refers to the quantity of agricultural products that producers are willing and able to offer for sale at a given price. The relationship between demand and supply is often represented by the concept of market equilibrium.

The primary role of agricultural extension officers is to offer technical advice and assistance to farmers. Agricultural extension officers are professionals who work closely with farmers to provide them with the necessary knowledge, information, and resources to improve their agricultural practices and increase productivity. They act as intermediaries between agricultural research institutions and farmers, translating scientific knowledge into practical guidance for farmers.

Agricultural extension services provide numerous advantages to farmers and the agricultural sector. Through agricultural extension, farmers gain increased access to modern agricultural technologies, such as improved crop varieties, efficient irrigation methods, and mechanized farming equipment. This leads to improved farm productivity and profitability.

The primary purpose of agricultural mechanization is to reduce labor requirements in agriculture. Agricultural mechanization involves the use of machinery, equipment, and technology to automate and streamline various farming operations. By employing mechanized tools such as tractors, harvesters, planters, and irrigation systems, farmers can increase efficiency, save time, and reduce the physical labor needed for tasks like land preparation, planting, harvesting, and irrigation.

The hydraulic system of a tractor is responsible for providing power to the attached implements or machinery. It uses a fluid under pressure to transmit power from the tractor to the implements for various functions. The engine is the power source of the tractor, but it is the hydraulic system that transmits this power to the implements.

Farm animals often produce various valuable by-products. Milk is a common by-product of dairy animals such as cows, goats, and sheep. It is a significant source of nutrition for humans and is used to produce dairy products such as cheese, butter, and yogurt. Fertilizer is another by-product that can be obtained from farm animals, specifically from their manure.

The purpose of using a scale of preference in agricultural decision-making is to allocate resources effectively among different activities. A scale of preference is a tool used to prioritize and rank various options or choices based on their relative importance or value. In agriculture, farmers often face limited resources such as land, labor, capital, and time.

The primary purpose of storage facilities in agriculture is to store and preserve harvested crops. These facilities, such as warehouses, silos, or cold storage units, are designed to protect harvested crops from environmental factors, pests, and diseases. They provide a controlled environment that helps maintain the quality, nutritional value, and market value of the stored crops.

The primary objective of agricultural research is to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. Agricultural researchers work to develop innovative techniques, technologies, and practices that improve crop yields, reduce environmental impact, and ensure the long-term viability of agricultural systems.

Animal health and welfare is an important aspect of livestock management in agriculture. Livestock managers and farmers are responsible for ensuring the well-being of the animals under their care. This includes providing proper nutrition, appropriate housing and shelter, disease prevention and control measures, and veterinary care.