This question was well attempted by the candidates. In 2(a-b), majority of the candidates were able to explain the term farm mechanization and mention the advantages and disadvantages of farm mechanization. However, in 2(c-d) most of the candidates could neither give the merits of the use of draught animals in farm operations nor outline the roles of science and technology in agricultural development.

The expected answers include:

(c) Merits of the use of draught animals in farm operations
-     Low maintenance cost/cheap to operate
-     Draught animals provide manure
-     Draught animals can be used safely on slopes and wet fields/difficult conditions
-     Using animals does not require special skills
-     Animals are ecologically friendly/do not destroy soil structure
-     Animals can pull heavy loads/perform tedious work
-     Animals provide good traction
-     Animals are easy to control

   Roles of science and technology in agricultural  development
       (i)   Pest and disease control
-   Agrochemicals/pesticides such as fungicides, fumigants and nematicides have
     beendeveloped to control pests
 -   Drugs have been developed to counteract the effects of diseases and pests
-   Vaccines have been developed which can be used to prevent a whole
    range of diseases in farm animals
-   Studies have been made on the life cycles of pests and parasites for their
     control or prevention
-   Various types of herbicides have been developed for effective control of weeds
-   Through science and technology, it is easier to diagnose diseases of plants
and animals

• Breeding disease-resistant varieties of crops and breeds of animals
• Production of equipment for the application of pesticides and herbicides
• Irradiation to enhance storage of farm produce
• Production of equipment to trap pests

(ii)Meteorology and  climatology
-    Weather forecasting/projection
-    Enable farmers to account for the variation in climate from place to place
-    Enable farmers to know when to prepare for farming activities
-    Determine the type of crops to grow and the kinds of animals to
     rear in a particular area or locality
-    Cloud seeding for rainfall
-    Production of equipment for weather forecasting