CSEC Agricultural Science Paper 2 May/June 2023 - Free CXC Past Paper with Answers

State ONE way in which a budget can be used for decision-making.

Differentiate between a ‘partial budget’ and a ‘complete budget’.

Farmer Rajack operates a vegetable farm. He wants to know whether he should expand his operations. His accountant has prepared a budget for a three-year period to allow Farmer Rajack to make a decision.

TABLE 1: THREE-YEAR BUDGET

Using the information in Table 1, describe ONE challenge that Farmer Rajack could face if he decides to expand the farm.

State TWO possible solutions for addressing the challenge identified in (b) (i).

The Minister of Agriculture is concerned about the impact of climate change on farmers in the country. She wants to promote hydroponics among farmers for the cultivation of vegetables throughout the year.

Suggest THREE incentives that could be provided to farmers to encourage them to utilize hydroponics in their farm enterprises.

Identify the pests shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 on page 10.

Figure 1 Figure 2

The pests in Figure 1 and Figure 2 on page 10 are classified based on how they feed on the plant. Name the group that the pest in Figure 1 belongs to.

The agricultural extension officer also told Joy that her bean plants were infected with powdery mildew. Other than a decrease in yield, state ONE symptom of powdery mildew in string beans.

The agricultural extension officer also told Joy that her bean plants were infected with powdery mildew. Other than a decrease in yield, state ONE symptom of powdery mildew in string beans.

Suggest TWO ways in which powdery mildew spores can be transmitted or spread throughout Farmer Joy's vegetable farm.

Outline TWO cultural methods that Farmer Joy can use to control powdery mildew in her bean crop. You MUST provide one reason for the use of EACH method.

Define the term 'soil erosion'.

Name TWO agents of soil erosion in the Caribbean.

Outline ONE effect of soil erosion on crop production.

Explain ONE cause of soil erosion in hillside areas.

State THREE soil management practices which can be used to prevent soil erosion in hilly areas.

Farmer Jason inherited a parcel of land which he intends to use to establish a freshwater fish farm to produce fish for the local market. He plans to dig earthen ponds to rear his fish. A work shop on freshwater fish production, the agricultural extension officer advised Farmer Jason that there are a number of factors to be considered in the establishment and management of a freshwater fish farm in the Caribbean. The agricultural extension officer stated that one of the main factors to consider in the establishment of the freshwater fish farm is the type of fish to be reared.

Identify TWO freshwater fish species that can be reared on Farmer Jason's fish farm.

Suggest ONE method Farmer Jason could use to harvest fish from his farm.

Outline TWO factors Farmer Jason must consider when selecting a site for establishing his fish farm. You MUST provide one reason for considering EACH factor. Factor Reason

Factor Reason

Farmer Jason has established his fish farm and observes that his initial yields are low.

State ONE reason that can contribute to Farmer Jason having a poor fish yield.

Suggest ONE management practice that is necessary for maximizing fish yields on Farmer Jason's farm. You MUST provide one reason for your suggested management practice. Management practice Reason

Johnny has implemented a breeding programme to increase the number of rabbits on his farm. He mates the male and female rabbits as shown in Figure 3 below.

Figure 3. Reproductive process in rabbits

On the diagram in Figure 3, label the reproductive process shown at A and D.

Outline the difference between the reproductive processes labelled B and C.

State the average length of time it takes for the female rabbit to move from B to D.

Farmer Janice was concerned about the poor level of fertility among her breeding herd, which has negatively impacted her farm income. She attended a livestock workshop hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture. The agricultural extension officer advised that farmers need to consider oestrus synchronization as one management practice that can increase the level of fertility of their animals and the profitability of their livestock enterprise.

(i) List FOUR benefits that farmers can derive from the use of oestrus synchronization in the management of their livestock herd. (ii) Suggest the time in the reproductive process that would be best for scheduling oestrus synchronization for Farmer Janice's female livestock.