CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
The student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is a skill training
program designed to expose and prepare students of universities, polytechnic,
college of agriculture and colleges of education for the Industrial work situation
they are likely to meet after graduation. The scheme also affords students the
opportunity of familiarizing and exposing themselves to the needed experience
in handling machinery that are not usually available in their institutions.
1.1 HISTORY OF SIWES
The scheme was first initiated and funded by the Industrial Training fund (ITF)
during the formative year 1973/1974. As a result of increasing the number of
students enrolment in higher institution of learning. The administration of this
function of funding the scheme became enormous, hence ITF withdrew from
the scheme in 1978 and the scheme was taken over by the Federal Government
in 1979 and handed to both the National University Commission (NUC) and the
National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). By 1979 the colleges of
Education were not part of the scheme and later in 1984 the Federal
Government reverted back to the Industrial Training Fund which took over the
scheme officially in 1985 with funding provided by the Federal Government.
1.2 GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF SIWES
SIWES is strategized for skill acquisition. It is in fact designed to prepare and
expose students of universities, polytechnics and colleges of Education to the
real-life work situation they would encounter after graduation.
Therefore, SIWES is key factor required to inject and engender industrialization
and economic development in our nation through the induction of scientific and
technological skills on students.

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1.3 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THE SCHEME
The specific objectives of the scheme (SIWES) are to:
a. Provide placements in industries for students of higher Institutions of
learning approved by relevant regulating authority (NUC, NBTE, and
NCCE) to acquire work experience and skills relevant to their course of
study.
b. Prepare students for the real work situation they will meet after
graduation.
c. Expose students to work methods and techniques in the handling of
equipment and machinery that may not be available in school.
d. Make transition from school to the labour market smooth and enhance
students contact to later job placement.
e. Provide students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real life
work situation thereby bridging the gap between theory and practical.
f. Strengthen employer involvement in the entire educational process and
prepare students for employment in industry.
g. Promote the desired technological know-how required for the
advancement of the nation.

1.4 THE ROLE OF INDUSTRIAL TRAINING FUND (ITF)

a. Formulation of guidelines and policies on SIWES.
a. Organization of orientation programs for students prior to SIWES
attachment.
b. Receive and process master and placement list from institutions.
c. Provision of logistics and materials necessary for the effective
management of the scheme.
d. Regularly visiting supervising agencies institutions/employers and
student on attachment to ensure adherence to guidelines.

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 e. Carry research into operation of SIWES and proffer solutions as to
improve on them.
f. Vet and process student’s logbooks preparatory to payment of SIWES
allowances to staff and students.
g. Supervise students on SIWES attachment.
h. Disburse supervisory and student allowances.
i. Organise biennial SIWES national conference and SIWES review
meetings.
j. Provide insurance cover for students on SIWES attachment.
1.5 ADVANTAGES OF SIWES
a. It exposes students to secure and safe method of work.
b. It acts as a source of revenue to some students.
c. Students might be retained in their place of attachment as a full worker
after graduation.
d. It makes students appreciate the knowledge they obtain from school.

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 CHAPTER TWO
BRIEF HISTORY OF ANAMBRA STATE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAMME, (ASADEP)
Anambra State Agricultural Development Programme, ASADEP, was
inaugurated on August 5th, 1985, as one of the Multi-State Agricultural
Development Projects (MSADP-1) made up of the South East States.
A tripartite arrangement between the World Bank, FGN, ANSG ensures proper
funding for ASADEP. No wonder in 1986, the Federal Government signed a
loan agreement of USD 162 Million for the MSADP-1 which at present
includes the following States: Anambra, Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River,
Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Kogi, Nasarawa, Ogun, Plateau and Benue.
Old Anambra State (Anambra and Enugu State) got USD 22.4 million. That
loan terminated June 30th, 1995. There was an IFAD loan of about USD 1.5m
which expired in June 1997.
Currently, ASADEP’s survival is predicated on a bridging loan under ATSF,
NFF, the counterpart contributions of FGN, (FMF) ANSG and internally
generated revenue.
Following the creation of States, on August 27, 1991, Old Anambra State
bifurcated into Anambra and Enugu States. It thus became necessary to
restructure the former Anambra ADP, and to establish two new ADPs for the
new territories. Fund was provided by the World Bank for the erection of a new
head-quarters building in Anambra State.
In January 1992, the present ASADEP moved from Enugu to a temporary
office, at Enugwu-Ukwu. ASADEP was later to move to its own multimillion-
naira magnificent head-quarters office complex, in October, 1995. The edifice is
located on kilometer 41, along Enugu-Onitsha expressway, Awka.

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2.1 BROAD OBJECTIVE
The broad objective of the Programme is to improve the standard of living and
welfare of the rural small-holder farmers, throughout the State, by raising their
productivity and farm income, via integrated rural development.
2.1.1 The Specific Objectives include: -
To strengthen agricultural services through a unified agricultural extension
services and on-farm adaptive research;
Provide farm inputs to farmers at reasonable and affordable prices;
To establish and organize a disciplined and well supported performance
oriented agricultural extension services, capable of motivating the small-holder
farmers and extension staff adoption of relevant technologies.
To encourage adequate maintenance of agricultural lands by good conservation
methods;
To undertake the rehabilitation, improvement and maintenance of rural feeder
roads;
To ensure efficient and effective planning, monitoring and evaluation of
agricultural and rural development programmes;
To provide technical and management training for staff.
To realize the above objectives, various structural and administrative
machineries have been put in place.
2.2 SUB-PROGRAMMES
There are basically two sets of sub-programmes, viz: - the core-sub-
programmes and services/Support sub-programmes. The core sub-programmes
are Extension Services; Adaptive Research (Technical) and Rural Infrastructural
Development (Engineering) Services. The Service/Support sub-programmes are
Management/Administration; Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation; Finance;
Human Resources Development and Rural Institutions Development (RID).
Each sub-programme is made up of components (Units).

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2.3 ADAPTIVE RESEARCH (TECHNICAL) SERVICES SUB-
PROGRAMME
The objective and activities of this sub-programme are better appreciated from
what its 5 components do, under the close watch of the sub-programme head, as
stated below:
2.3.1 Crops on-Farm-Adaptive Research Component:
To evaluate promising improved technologies under farmers ecological and
socio-economic environment and promote farmer – research – extension
integrations, with a view to designing trails, aimed at removing production
constraints, perceived by the farmers.
2.3.2 IFAD Cassava Programme (ICP)
It was established to increase the availability of high yielding cassava varieties
and other root and tuber crops in the state, with the ultimate aim of increasing
local food production and improving farm incomes.
The ICP also sponsors processing and utilization of the common root and tuber
crops, as well as stimulates the use of simple processing equipment, by farmers.
Seed multiplication, Extension and Demonstration, Adaptive Research, Crop
Processing and Project Coordination (PME) are the various units that are
involved in the ICP. As a matter of fact, IFAD’s intervention catapulted Nigeria
to the World’s number one producer of cassava. It ranked 6th prior to that
intervention.
The IFAD CMP has also reduced the incidences of mealybug, spidemite and
other cassava attacks, thus leading to higher yields by farmers.
2.3.3 Livestock Development Component
Responsible for the development of improved technologies for small ruminants
and poultry production for extension to resource poor farmers.
2.3.4 Agro-Forestry/Land Management Component

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Developing, through adaptive research, improved, technologies for the
production and popularization of indigenous economic fruits trees. It also has
projects for the reduction of soil acidity and protection of the ecological system.
Use of vetiver grass and other simple erosion control measures are being
imparted to rural farmers, on a regular basis.
The implementation strategy, for the various activities of the entire sub-
program, is through the use of available resources to address the most urgent
issues and using snow-ball effect to expand. On-the-spot assessment of the
farmers’ problems are made through rapid appraisal, diagnostic surveys and
pre-TRM field visits.
2.3.5 Fisheries
Responsible for the imparting of modern but simple methods of household/large
scale fish farming, including the procurement of high-quality fingerlings.

2.4 GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTION

Safety is a condition of been protected against failures breakage and accident.
2.4.1 Office Ethics and Safety
Safety in the office could be termed as possible actions, behavior and attitude
towards your job to avoid being queried or sacked. To keep a job safe and
confident you have to exhibit the following traits.
 Limit absences; be at work every day possible plan your absences, don’t
abuse leave time.
 Come to work on time: be punctual every day.
 Be honest: honesty is a single most important factor that will always keep
you safe from troubles in your workplace.
 Be dependable: complete assigned task correctly and promptly.
 Be loyal: speak positively about the organization.

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  Be willing to learn: look to improve your skills at any opportunity if
given.
 Have a good working relationship with other members of your team.
2.4.2 Work Shop Safety
Accidents don’t just happen but are caused; it has adverse effect on human and
properties.
Safety Precautions
 Always wear hand gloves to protect the hand against sharp parts of the
machine.
 Always be guided by the super vision.
 Always wear overall to protect the entire body.
 Always wear glasses any time you want to bend to view the internal part
of the engine to avoid engine oil and other particles dropping into your
eyes.
 Always pen down all the necessary points discussed.
 Always ask necessary questions on the areas you do not understand
 Make sure that all the protective measures are complete before embarking
on the operation.
 Handle all the tools with care most especially the heavy and fragile ones.
 Avoid eating while working.
2.4.3 Safety Rules on Project Site Supervision
Field operation was carried out on tractor driving, repairing and maintenance.
Safety Precautions
 Always carry the rain boots to avoid coarse soils, poisonous insects and
grass lands.
 Always wear helmet, overall suit and safety boot.
 Always walk with the supervision team, so you don’t get lost.
 Always take notes down and record significant changes, if observed.

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 Ask questions on places to walk on and parts to take, especially during
visit to forest areas.
 Mark with a rope chalk or marker parts taken to track your way out of the
site, especially virgin forest.
 When visiting a flooded site, if water level goes above the knee or above
the rain boots level do not go any further.
 Wear adequate PPE (Personal Protective “” Equipment)
 For Supervision of flooded areas and crossing a river, life jacket is
needed.

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 CHAPTER THREE
ENGINEERING SERVICES ON AGRICULTURE
This involves the roles of engineers in agriculture to increase productivity and
economic development such tractorization and mechanization, food processing,
irrigation, soil conservation, seed multiplication, rural electrification (farm
power), rural roads, land development.
3.1 AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION
Agricultural mechanization represents technology change through the adoption
of human non sources of power to undertake agricultural operation such as
ploughing, planting, harvesting and shelling etc. including the power sources
that are used to operate the various machines. This report is written to show the
components of a tractor, how some parts are serviced and the maintenance
procedures carried out on tractors, also the tractor hiring business which is yet
to find its way round the nation.
3.1.1 Tractor
A vehicle with multiple functions used for agricultural purposes, it has multiple
functions which ranges from, trailing implements, powering implements also
itself is a source of electrical power. Every year a modern tractor is built each
coming out with more features than the previous ones, modern tractors now has
more fully enclosed driver’s chambers where temperature can be regulated,
within.
3.1.2 Types of Tractors
One tractor cannot fulfill all power requirements on the farm this is the reason
why different types of tractors are developed. The tractors are classified as;

A. According to Design
i. Riding type, four-wheel type
ii. Walking behind tractor or two-wheel power tiller.

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 B. According to traction:
i. Track type: full track and half-track.
ii. Wheel types: two wheels (single traction), tricycle or three wheels and
four wheels (double traction).
C. According to utility:
i. General purpose
ii. All purpose
iii. Orchard
iv. Garden
v. Industrial.
A. TWO-WHEEL TRACTOR [walking behind tractor]: It is a single
axle walk behind tractor is a power tiller guided by hand and used in rice
growing area. These are more useful for small land holders and popular in
rice fields, hilly areas, power tillers are used for seed bed preparations,
sowing, hauling, pumping transporting, and other stationary works.
B. FOUR WHEEL TRACTOR: a prime mower which is designed to
pull, push, carry and operate implements used for agricultural work. Is a
farm tractor.
Tractors are used for ploughing, tilling, harrowing planting, pushing, lifting,
hauling, transporting, drilling, harvesting, pumping, threshing, leveling etc.

Power range of farm tractors are 1okw to 75kw and maximum travel
speed in 35kw/hr. Tractors have been designed in respect of safety & comfort
fatigue of operator etc.

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Fig 1: Four wheel tractor.
C. TRACK TYPE TRACTORS: it has a limited use in agriculture, a tractor
which have endless iron track passing. For following operations:
 Commercial orchard cultivation and maintenance.
 Farm operation in hilly areas.
 Land clearing and earth moving works tractor performance can be
improved by using tracks rather than wheels and tyres.
TECHNICAL TERMS
1. TRACK WIDTH: horizontal distance between centre to centre of
two wheels on axle.

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 2. WHEEL BASE: the horizontal distance from centre of front wheel
and centre of rear wheel of the tractor.
3. GROUND CLEARANCE: the height of the lowest point of the
tractor from horizontal ground.
4. THREE-POINT LINKAGE: a combination of one upper link and
two lower links, articulated to the tractor and implement.
5. HYDRAULIC POWER LIFT: the system provided in tractor to
raise and lower equipment by hydraulic means.
6. POWER TAKE-OFF: a splined shaft provided in tractor to
transmit tensional power to equipment.
7. OVERALL LENGTH: the distance between two vertical planes at
right angles to the tractor or power tiller.
8. OVERALL HEIGHT: the distance between a supporting ground to
uppermost part of tractor or power tiller.
9. OVERALL WIDTH: distance between two outer most
components.
10. MAIN BEAM HEAD LAMP: a lamp which illuminate the road
over a long distance ahead of the vehicle. This lamp lifted on the tractor,
which can move in relation to the tractor and known as work lamp also.
11. REVERSING LAMP: the lamp is used to indicate to others that
the driver intends to change direction to the left or right of the backward
movement.
12. UNLADEN TRACTOR: mass of the tractor including coolant, oil
and gas and operator weight but excluding accessories.
13. LADEN TRACTOR: mass of the tractor including permissible
maximum mass as specified by manufacturer.
In addition, I was taught that there are different tractor brands or manufacturers
of tractors.

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3.1.3 Tractor Brands
 Massey Ferguson 375
 Mahindra B275m
 Eicher 480 & 364NC
 Holland
 Mitsubishi
 Swaraj 735FE
3.2 Maintenance And Repairs
These are some maintenance practices and repair equipment used for tractors. I
carried out engine servicing practices such as filling of carburetor, cleaning of
radiator and filling of oil.
3.2.1 Maintenance Practices
 Switch on tractor engine and allow to steam for some minutes before
moving.
 Check water, fuel and oil level before carrying out an operation.
 Field inspection is done before tractor is used on the field, to prevent
damage on implements and tractors too.
 The tractors are not to be used until it runs out of gas, occasionally
checked gas level while operations are been carried out.
Tool box: an iron box, which contains tools for servicing a tractor, repairs and
coupling equipment.
List of tools and equipment use for repairs
A. Spanner
 Ring end spanner
 Open end spanner
B. Sockets
C. Wrenches

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 D. Pliers
E. Hammers
F. Screw drivers
G.Punches
H.Files
 Half round files
 Flat file
 Round file
 Square file
 Triangular file
I. Cleaning brushes
 Wire brush
 Brass brush-gas cleaning brush
 Hair brush for oil, circulator wire brush for cleaning valve
stems.
J. Sand paper
Tools for equipment repairing tube
1. Tube vulcanizer [small steam type]
2. Tyre pressure gauge
3. Valve die
4. Tyre levers
Tools for equipment auto electrical repairs
1. Battery charger
2. Cell tester
3. Aerometer
4. Hydrometer
5. Soldering iron 22ov-125 and 250 watts each.
6. Screw driver combination.

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 7. Ampere meter set.
3.2.2 Tractor Implements
Many implements are attached to tractors to carry out functions.
Type of implements
There are four types based on relation to power unit.
Pull Type or Trailed Implements: pulled and guided from a single hitched
point e.g., tractor wagon or trailer.
Fully Mounted Implement: they are attached through a 3-point linkage, its full
weight is supported by the tractor e.g., ploughs, harrows and cultivation.
Semi-Mounted Implement: they are attached through a horizontal or nearly
horizontal hinge axis and are partially supported by the tractor at least during
transport.
Trailed Implement e.g., plough
a. Disc plough: a plough in disc shape of a certain diameter and curvature,
the disc is mounted on a frame use for tillage.
b. Disc harrow: the base component of the disc harrow as in the case of the
disc plough, is a disc having a given diameter and curvature.
A number of discs, these discs are mounted on an axle to constitute a "GANG”
several gangs mounted together to make a disc harrow

Fig. 5: disc harrow

c. Ridger: it is use for making ridges.
d. Cassava planter or stem planter: it is used in planting cassava stems; it
is trailed by a tractor also it has sits where a farmer arranges the stem in the
machine while it is trailed by the tractor.
3.3 SAFETY OPERATIONS OF TRACTORS

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 Survey the area to be mowed and remove all debris, such as rocks, cans,
wire, toys, etc., before mowing to avoid personal injuries and other
damages.
 Be alert and watch for moving vehicles, people, or animals in the work
area while operating a tractor. Be prepared to change course to stop
quickly.
 Avoid mowing too close to trees to prevent damages to trees and personal
injuries from low-lying branches.
 Stop mower blades before crossing gravel patches.
 Do not dismount from the operator’s seat while an attachment on the
requirements of farming. Without good farm records, it is difficult to know
what is really happening within the farm business. Every tractor / equipment
should have its own log book to track daily hours worked, kilometre
travelled, fuel consumption, maintenance and repairs.

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 CHAPTER FOUR
POULTRY FARMING
INTRODUCTION
Poultry farming is the raising or keeping of chicken (broiler) primarily for meat
production.
Broiler production or broiler poultry farming depends on a methodical and
efficient management program adopted by the farmer. Therefore, it's nice taste,
soft tenderness and nutritive value with high protein content revealed why it's
being consumed by many although very productive but labor intensive.
Poultry farming is a lucrative but delicate business. Lucrative in the sense that
the consumption of the end product; chicken, poultry droppings, feathers and
egg are in constant demand up and it happens to be a potent source of animal
protein outside fish, pork and beef. More importantly poultry products fall into
the category of white meat, believed to be healthier for human consumption.
Delicate in the sense that producers are very careful in caring for the birds to
avoid disaster which could be as a result of disease infecting the birds.
4.1 Types of chicken
1. Pullets: known as layers and reared for egg productions.
2. Broiler: They are reared for meat production; they grow faster and are
ready for sell at 12wks from hatch.
3. Cockerel: Grown for meat just like broiler but takes a longer time to
mature; like 24wks.

4.2 LAND/BUILDING
This is one of the major criterial for starting or setting up a poultry farm.The
building and land must be far away from people but near to market but not
too close to the rivers or stream to protect the birds and man from flood and
water pollution respectively.

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 In the construction of the poultry house, it should be from East to west
position for sun light/wind control and for enough ventilation. A concrete
floor is mostly encouraged because it's easy to clean and assist in
controlling parasites like mites which barrow into the soil. Wood dust is
more preferably to saw dust although recent research seems to have
presented newspapers to be best in maintaining moderate temperature on the
floor and waste control. This has assisted in vermiculture (Breeding of
worms).

4.3 FEEDING
During broilers production, at a different stage, a different type of feed is given
to the broilers.
Below is a table description of their feeding process;

TYPE OF FEED BROILER'S AGE DURATION OF

(DAYS) FEEDING (WEEKS)

Starter’s feed 1 – 21 3 weeks

Grower’s feed 22 – 35 3 weeks
Grower’s feed 36 – 42 1 week till marketing
period

The feeds given to the boilers should be highly nutritious and comprises; a high
ratio of protein, amino acid, lysine, and methionine with low fiber in their feed
for good growth and also feeds that has supplements of vitamin A, B2, D3, B12,
and K.
For the water intake, provide the broilers with adequate water for they take
about thrice the amount of feed they eat per day. There is also high increase in

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water intake during hot weather and when high protein ration is fed to them. Do
not give them too hot or too cold water; instead give them water of a moderate
temperature of about 10 – 12°C.

Fig 2: Feeding of poultry birds.

4.4 SOME ORGANIC PRACTISES IN POULTRY.

1. coconut water: It provides nutrients for health and lively.
2. Pawpaw leaves: Use in deworming of birds
3. Garlic: This serves as antibiotics when slice, store in water for 24hrs and
feed to birds.
4. Bitter leaves: It helps to boost the immune system of the birds.
5. Moringa leaves: This is use in treating fowl pores.

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 CHAPTER FIVE
MANUAL CULTIVATION OF CUCUMBER
Manual cultivation of cucumber, manual cultivation involves the production of
crops in absence of tractor and other machineries. This is process is simply
performed with hands and local implements
5.1 TYPES OF CUCUMBER
There are two types of cucumber plants: vining cucumbers and bush
cucumbers.
 Vining cucumbers grow on vigorous vines shaded by large leaves. The
growth of these plants is fast, and the crop yield is abundant if you care for
them properly. Vining varieties grow best when trained up a trellis or fence.
They will be cleaner versus those that grow directly atop soil often more
prolific, and easier to pick.
 Bush cucumbers, however, are nicely suited to containers and small
garden.

5.2 WORKING TOOLS AND THEIR USES

These are tools and materials used in farm operation
Tools Uses
Cutlass Used in clearing the area to be cultivated
Hoe Used in making sink beds
Shovel Used in creating proper drainage channel to avoid the farm
being water logged, erosion and leaching.
Rake Used in gathering the cleared grass either to be buried or
burnt.
Rain boot These are foot wears used in protecting from accident and
injury.
Hand gloves Used in protecting the hands from germs and diseases.
Overall Used in protecting the entire body

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Knapsack sprayer This is a machine inform of a container, used in
fumigation.
Herbicide Concentrated chemical used in killing weeds.
Organic fertilizer Manure used in enriching and boosting the richness of the
soil.
Rope This is a twin used in ascertain straightness of the ridges.
Sticks Used in staking the cucumber
Pegs Used in demarcating the beds
Measuring tape Used in measuring the distance from one bed to another.

5.3 CHOOSING AND PREPARING A PLANTING SITE

 Select a site with full sun. Cucumbers need warmth and lots of light.
 Cucumbers require fertile soil. Mix in compost and/or aged manure
before planting to a depth of 2 inches and work into the soil 6 to 8 inches
deep. Make sure that soil is moist and well-drained, not soggy and
compacted.
 Soil should be neutral or slightly acidic with a pH of around 6.5 to 7.0.

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 Fig 3: land clearing.
5.4 HOW TO PLANT CUCUMBERS
 Plant seeds 1 inch deep and about 2 to 3 feet apart in a row, depending on
variety (see seed packet for details). For vines trained on a trellis, space
plants 1 foot apart.
 Cucumbers can also be planted in mounds (or “hills”) that are spaced 1 to
2 feet apart, with 2 to 3 seeds planted in each mound. Once plants reach 4
inches in height, thin them to one plant per mound.
 If you live in the cooler climates, you can help warm the soil by covering
the hill or row with black plastic.
 After planting, mulch around the area with straw, chopped leaves, or
another organic mulch to keep pests at bay, and also keep bush types off the
ground to avoid disease.

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5.5 HOW TO GROW CUCUMBERS
 The main care requirement for cucumbers is water—consistent watering!
They need at least one inch of water per week (or more, if temperatures are
sky-high). Put your finger in the soil and when it is dry past the first joint of
your finger, it is time to water. Inconsistent watering leads to bitter-tasting
fruit.
 Water slowly in the morning or early afternoon, avoiding the leaves so
that you don’t encourage leaf diseases that can ruin the plant. If possible,
water your cucumbers with a soaker hose or drip irrigation to keep the
foliage dry.
 Mulch to hold in soil moisture.
 When seedlings emerge, begin to water frequently, and increase to a
gallon per week after fruit forms.
5.6 POST PLANTING ACTIVITIES
After planting, it is necessary to support the growing plant with stakes or pillars.
This is because cucumber plants are climbers by nature and they require the
necessary support for optimal growth.
 Mulching is also an important activity which to reduce the quantity of
fertilizer, and it lowers the overhead costs of getting water for irrigating the
vegetable which enables it to produce the big and greenish types that are
highly sought after. Also, mulching makes the soil warm and reduces weed
growth.
 Irrigation helps to promote the growth of cucumber. In fact, light
irrigation increases the effectiveness of herbicides used in weed control.
Irrigation is particularly important during fruit development. However,
wetness of the foliage can allow for fungal disease infestation. Ideally, the
plant should be watered daily once the seedlings begin to sprout.

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  Staking in the process of placing sticks and ropes in-between spaces for
the crops to anchor on and do well cucumber being a plant whose stem does
not like being on the bare soil for fruiting and flowering because of excess
moisture on the soil, is hereby staked in other to enable it do well and to
avoid the fruits not to decay by the actions of the micro organisms from the
soil.
 Weeding should be done 20 to 30 days after planting. Liquid inorganic
fertilizer or organic fertilizer like super gro can be applied every 2 weeks.
Cucumber needs adequate nitrogen in the soil to grow optimally, which can
be preserved by mulching.
5.7 PEST AND DISEASE
 Squash bugs may attack seedlings.
 Aphids are always a nuisance for any vegetable plant but easily
managed.
 Powdery mildew can be a problem if the leaves get wet (water at the soil
level). Apply fungicides at the first sign of its presence.
 Cucumber Beetles may attack the vines and can cause disease.
5.8 HOW TO HARVEST CUCUMBERS
 Don’t let cucumbers get too large or they will taste bitter.
 At peak harvesting time, you should be picking cucumbers every couple
of days. They’ll grow quickly!
 Cucumbers are best picked before their seeds become hard and are eaten
when immature. Do not let them get yellow. A cucumber is of highest
quality when it is uniformly green, firm, and crisp.
 Any cucumbers left on the vine too long will also get-tough skins and
lower plant productivity.
 How to pick? Using a knife or clippers, cut the stem above the fruit.
Pulling the fruit may damage the vine.

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  Keep them picked. If you don’t, as plants mature, they will stop
producing.

5.9 HOW TO STORE CUCUMBERS

 Cucumbers are over 90 percent water. Store wrapped tightly in plastic
wrap to retain moisture.
 They will keep for a week to 10 days when stored properly in the
refrigerator.

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 CHAPTER SIX
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
6.1 BENEFITS OF SIWES TO MY ACADEMICS
All through my industrial training attachment at the Anambra state ministry of
agriculture, Awka , I have not only bridged the gap between theory learnt in the
classroom but also gained much experience, I have learnt about numerous agro
entrepreneurship businesses to engage myself in. also I have learnt
 Most of the tractor's parts
 I have increased my knowledge on tractor driving
 How to adhere to safety and its precautions during work.
 How to cultivate different crops like oil palm and cucumber.
6.2 OBSERVATIONS
 Securing placement for industrial training is a difficult task.
 Many organisations do not expose the students to actual techniques of
operations but see them as cheap source of labour.
 A compulsory certificate or recommendation later be given to students
who embarked on IT.

6.3 RECOMMENDATIONS
 The government, ITF and the university should post students to the
different organizations willing to impact and improve SIWES students.
 ITF funds should be made available to students as many are not been paid
at the place of work.
 Annual seminars should be organised by the government and ITF for
students who will be going for IT, for them, to be acquainted with what to
expect.

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6.4 CONCLUSION
I consider myself most fortunate and opportune to be in this institution that has
provided me with an industrial training experience, which has not only offered
me technical skills but also moral and charisma to attending to a work or
problem solving, in general this industrial training has exposed me to the real
world and what life after school looks like with opportunity to make changes in
my life, investing in time management and personal character build up. I am
indebted to my lecturers my supervisors at the project and all staff of the
technical services at Anambra state ministry of agriculture, Awka (ADP) for
giving me this opportunity to have gained such experiences.

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 REFERENCES
Agwuna, R.N. (2012). Detailed Manual on SIWES Guideline and Operations,
Charles and Patrick Ltd. Nimo, pp 70.
Curtsey of introduction to fish farm in Nigeria by Bamidele Oluwarotimi O.
Best management practices for fish farmers in Nigeria.
Hudley, R. (2007). Building Construction Hand Book [6thed], Green butter
worth-Heinemann
ITF, (2002). Information and Guideline for SIWES.
Jain, S.C. and Rai, C. R. (2013). Farm tractor maintenance and repair, Standard
Publishers Distributor.

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