Storage of Crop Produce

29 Grade 9 Agriculture questions on Storage of Crop Produce, with worked marking schemes. 29 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   1 mark

   Hermetic (airtight) storage bags reduce grain losses during storage mainly because they:

   A. Add oxygen to help the grain breathe

   B. Attract insects to one place

   C. Keep the grain moist and warm

   D. Deprive insect pests of oxygen so they die

   (1 mark)

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2. Question 2

   1 mark

   A farmer shells and winnows maize before storage. Winnowing helps in storage by:

   A. Removing chaff and light matter that can harbour pests

   B. Increasing the number of broken grains

   C. Making the grain heavier with dust

   D. Adding moisture to the grain

   (1 mark)

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3. Question 3

   1 mark

   A Grade 9 learner observes that potatoes stored by her family in a dark, cool, well-ventilated store keep well, while those left in a warm sunny spot turn green and sprout. The greening of the exposed potatoes is a concern mainly because:

   A. Green potatoes weigh more and sell for less

   B. Green potatoes develop solanine, a toxic substance, and become unsafe to eat

   C. Greening makes potatoes cook faster

   D. Green colour improves the nutritional value of potatoes

   (1 mark)

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4. Question 4

   1 mark

   A traditional granary is raised on stilts fitted with rat guards. The rat guards are fitted mainly to:

   A. Prevent rodents from climbing into the granary

   B. Support the roof of the granary

   C. Increase the height for ventilation

   D. Attract predatory birds

   (1 mark)

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5. Question 5

   1 mark

   Why should the store for cereal grain be kept dry and free of leakages?

   A. Water improves the grain quality

   B. Dryness makes grain sprout faster

   C. Moisture encourages mould growth and grain rotting

   D. Moisture keeps weevils away

   (1 mark)

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6. Question 6

   1 mark

   Regularly inspecting stored grain and turning it over is important because it helps to:

   A. Increase mould growth

   B. Make the grain wetter

   C. Add insects to the store

   D. Detect pests and heating early and prevent big losses

   (1 mark)

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7. Question 7

   1 mark

   Which storage structure is MOST appropriate for storing large quantities of dry cereal grain on a commercial farm?

   A. A greenhouse

   B. A cold room

   C. A silo

   D. An open pit

   (1 mark)

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8. Question 8

   3 marks

   Before storing a new harvest, a farmer is advised to clean and disinfect the store. Give three activities involved in preparing a store for a new harvest. (3 marks)

   (3 marks)

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9. Question 9

   1 mark

   A farmer notices small holes bored in stored maize grains and fine powder at the bottom of the store. The MOST likely cause is:

   A. Too much ventilation

   B. Low temperatures in the store

   C. Attack by maize weevils

   D. Excess drying of the grain

   (1 mark)

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10. Question 10

    1 mark

    Which of the following crops is MOST likely to be stored using curing before long-term storage?

    A. Fresh milk

    B. Green maize on the cob

    C. Onions

    D. Ripe tomatoes

    (1 mark)

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11. Question 11

    1 mark

    Before storing maize grain in a granary, the grain should first be dried to a safe moisture content mainly to:

    A. Prevent moulding and rotting during storage

    B. Increase its weight for selling

    C. Make it germinate in the store

    D. Attract weevils quickly

    (1 mark)

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12. Question 12

    1 mark

    A farmer stores sweet potatoes in a shallow pit lined with dry grass and covered with soil. This traditional method mainly helps to:

    A. Speed up sprouting for planting

    B. Keep the tubers cool and reduce spoilage

    C. Encourage the tubers to rot quickly

    D. Increase sunlight on the tubers

    (1 mark)

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13. Question 13

    4 marks

    Hermetic (airtight) storage bags are increasingly used by Kenyan farmers to store grain. Explain how these bags control storage insect pests, and state one advantage they have over using storage pesticides. (4 marks)

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    How they work (2 mks): the airtight bag seals the grain so that the respiring insects and grain use up the oxygen and release carbon dioxide, creating conditions with too little oxygen; the pests suffocate and die and cannot multiply. Advantage over pesticides (any 1, 2 mks): no chemical residues on the grain so it is safer for food; cheaper in the long run since no repeated chemical purchase; avoids risk of chemical poisoning or misuse.

14. Question 14

    1 mark

    A maize farmer in Kitale has just harvested and wants to store the grain in sacks for several months. To prevent losses from weevils and aflatoxin-causing moulds, the farmer should FIRST:

    A. Store the maize while still moist to keep it fresh

    B. Dry the maize thoroughly to safe moisture before bagging and storing

    C. Stack the bags directly on the bare earthen floor

    D. Store the maize in an unventilated sealed pit while wet

    (1 mark)

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15. Question 15

    4 marks

    A farmer's granary is being invaded by rats and the stored grain is becoming damp.

    (a) Describe two structural features that can be added to the granary to keep out rodents. (2 marks)

    (b) State two ways of preventing dampness in the granary. (2 marks)

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Any 2 (1 mk each): raise the granary on stilts/posts; fit rat guards or metal collars on the posts; use rodent-proof materials and seal openings. (b) Any 2 (1 mk each): repair the roof to prevent leaks; ensure good ventilation; raise produce off the floor on pallets; dry the grain properly before storage; keep the site well drained.

16. Question 16

    1 mark

    Which of the following is the BEST practice for storing potatoes to reduce spoilage?

    A. Storing them in direct sunlight

    B. Sealing them in airtight polythene bags while wet

    C. Keeping them in a cool, dark, well-ventilated store

    D. Piling them in a heap under rainwater

    (1 mark)

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17. Question 17

    1 mark

    A maize farmer in Kitale wants to store his shelled maize for several months without weevil damage. Which is the most important condition before storing the grain?

    A. Store the grain while still moist to keep it fresh

    B. Dry the grain thoroughly to a safe moisture content before storage

    C. Pile the grain directly on the bare soil floor

    D. Mix the grain with water to prevent cracking

    (1 mark)

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18. Question 18

    1 mark

    A farmer storing beans finds them infested with weevils a few weeks after harvest. Which method offers a safe, chemical-free way to protect stored beans?

    A. Storing them in an open basket in the kitchen

    B. Using airtight hermetic bags (e.g. PICS bags) that cut off oxygen

    C. Sprinkling water on the beans weekly

    D. Leaving them spread on the floor uncovered

    (1 mark)

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19. Question 19

    1 mark

    Cleaning and disinfecting the store before bringing in new produce is important mainly because it:

    A. Destroys pests and disease agents left from the previous season

    B. Makes the store darker

    C. Increases the moisture in the store

    D. Adds weevils to the new produce

    (1 mark)

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20. Question 20

    4 marks

    A maize farmer in Kitale has harvested and shelled his maize and intends to store it in a traditional granary (crib) for several months before selling.

    (a) State the recommended moisture content to which grains such as maize should be dried before storage. (1 mark)

    (b) Give three measures the farmer should take to prevent storage losses caused by pests and moulds. (3 marks)

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Recommended moisture content (1 mark): The maize grains should be dried to about 13% (12-13.5%) moisture content before storage. (b) Measures to prevent storage losses (any 3 = 3 marks): 1. Dry the grains thoroughly to the safe moisture level before storage to prevent moulding and rotting. 2. Treat/dust the grains with a recommended storage insecticide (e.g. Actellic super dust) or use hermetic bags to control weevils and other storage pests. 3. Keep the store/granary clean, dry, well-ventilated and rodent-proof, and store the grains off the ground on pallets to keep out moisture and rats. (Also acceptable: regular inspection of the store; remove pest-damaged or rotten grains; sort and grade before storage.)

21. Question 21

    1 mark

    A farmer dusts stored beans with an approved storage pesticide. The MAIN reason for this treatment is to:

    A. Control storage insect pests such as bruchids

    B. Add moisture to the beans

    C. Improve the colour of the beans

    D. Speed up germination

    (1 mark)

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22. Question 22

    6 marks

    Explain three reasons why harvested crop produce should be properly stored on the farm. (6 marks)

    (6 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Any 3 (2 mks each): to reduce post-harvest losses caused by pests, moulds and rotting; to ensure availability of food, feed and seed during periods of scarcity; to maintain quality and market value so produce fetches a good price; to allow the farmer to sell later when prices are higher; to preserve planting material for the next season.

23. Question 23

    1 mark

    Stacking bags of stored produce on wooden pallets instead of directly on the floor is done mainly to:

    A. Prevent absorption of moisture from the floor

    B. Make the bags easier to steal

    C. Attract termites to the bags

    D. Increase floor dampness

    (1 mark)

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24. Question 24

    5 marks

    A farmer in Kitale has just harvested maize and intends to store it for six months.

    (a) State two conditions the maize grain must meet before it is put into storage. (2 marks)

    (b) Give three ways the farmer can protect the stored maize from insect pests. (3 marks)

    (5 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Any 2 (1 mk each): well dried to safe moisture content (about 13-13.5%); clean and free of chaff and broken grains; free from pest infestation. (b) Any 3 (1 mk each): dust/treat grain with an approved storage pesticide; use hermetic airtight bags; clean and disinfect the store before storage; keep the store dry and well ventilated; inspect regularly and remove infested grain.

25. Question 25

    4 marks

    Different crop produce requires different storage conditions.

    (a) State how green leafy vegetables such as kales should be stored to keep them fresh. (1 mark)

    (b) State how dry cereal grain should be stored. (1 mark)

    (c) Give two differences between storing perishable produce and storing dry cereals. (2 marks)

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) In a cool place or refrigeration, kept slightly moist and used within a short time (1 mk). (b) In a dry, cool, well-ventilated store or silo after drying to safe moisture, and protected from pests (1 mk). (c) Any 2 differences (1 mk each): perishables need cool/moist short-term storage while cereals need dry long-term storage; perishables spoil within days while dry cereals keep for months; perishables need refrigeration while cereals need dry pest-proof stores.

26. Question 26

    8 marks

    After harvesting and shelling his maize, a farmer in Kakamega notices that some grains stored in the previous season had been damaged by weevils and mould.

    (a) State two signs that show maize grain is well dried and ready for storage. (2 marks)

    (b) Explain three measures the farmer can take to store the maize safely and reduce losses during storage. (6 marks)

    (8 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Signs of well-dried grain (any two): Grains are hard and crack/split rather than bend when bitten; grains produce a rattling sound when shaken/poured; moisture content is about 13% or below; grains separate easily and are not sticky. (2 marks) (b) Storage measures (any three, explained): (i) Dry the maize thoroughly to safe moisture (about 13% or below) before storage to prevent mould growth and aflatoxin and reduce weevil activity. (ii) Store in a clean, dry, well-ventilated store/crib raised off the ground and disinfected to remove residual pests. (iii) Treat the grain with an approved storage pesticide/dust (e.g. Actellic) or use hermetic/airtight bags (PICS bags) to suffocate and kill weevils. (iv) Inspect the store regularly and control rodents to detect and prevent damage early. (6 marks, 2 marks each)

27. Question 27

    1 mark

    Which factor MOST determines how long harvested grain can be safely stored?

    A. The distance to the market

    B. The moisture content of the grain

    C. The colour of the storage bags

    D. The name of the farmer

    (1 mark)

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28. Question 28

    1 mark

    Green vegetables such as kales are highly perishable. The MOST suitable short-term storage to maintain their freshness is:

    A. A sealed grain silo

    B. Refrigeration in a cool store

    C. A dark warm cupboard

    D. A hot, dry granary

    (1 mark)

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29. Question 29

    1 mark

    Which of the following is a sign of POORLY stored cereal grain?

    A. Free-flowing loose grains

    B. Uniform dry, hard grains

    C. A clean, fresh smell

    D. Musty smell, caking and visible mould

    (1 mark)

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