Planning is a management task where a plan of action is created - NSC Agricultural Management Practices - Question 4 - 2020 - Paper 1

1. Formulate objectives and goals
2. Collect information
3. Analyze information
4. Develop alternatives
5. Choose between alternatives
6. Implementation and evaluation

1. Legal Requirement: Contracts are often legally required to ensure that both parties are protected under labor laws.

2. Establishes Legal Agreement: Contracts formalize the agreement between employer and employee, clarifying expectations and obligations.

3. Defines Terms of Employment: A contract lays out the duties, rights, and responsibilities of both parties, providing clarity and reducing misunderstandings.

4. Dispute Resolution: In the event of disputes, contracts serve as a reference point for resolving issues related to employment.

5. Protection of Rights: Contracts ensure that both parties understand their rights and entitlements, which helps in preventing exploitation.

To ensure the optimal storage of agricultural products, maintaining a suitable temperature is crucial. Generally, products should be stored in a cool environment to prevent spoilage and prolong shelf life. The ideal temperature may vary depending on the product, but cooler temperatures reduce metabolic activity and inhibit the growth of spoilage organisms.

Adequate ventilation is essential for the storage of agricultural products. Proper air circulation helps to regulate humidity and temperature, reducing the risk of mold growth and spoilage. It also helps in maintaining the quality of stored products by ensuring that carbon dioxide levels do not rise excessively, which can affect freshness.

The main aim of processing agricultural products is to bring high-quality food to market, preventing spoilage and decay, thus extending shelf life and enhancing food safety.

1. High Initial Investment: Starting a processing venture can require significant capital, which may be a barrier for many farmers.

2. Loss of Nutritional Value: Processing can lead to the loss of essential nutrients, which may affect the overall health benefits of the food.

3. Market Competition: Processed products often face stiff competition, which may be challenging for small farmers without established brands.

1. Lightweight: Packaging should be lightweight to facilitate easier transportation and handling.
2. Non-toxic and Hygienic: Materials used should not be harmful to health and must maintain food safety standards.
3. Adjustable with Food: The packaging should ideally conform to the food product's shape and requirements to ensure protection.

1. Rigid Packaging: This type maintains its shape and provides solid protection for the contents.
2. Flexible Packaging: This type is adaptable and allows for various shapes and sizes of food products.

Implementing regular monitoring and surveillance by health authorities can help prevent food-borne diseases by ensuring compliance with food safety standards.

1. Education and Training: Providing training to food handlers about safe practices in food handling and hygiene.
2. Reporting of Illness and Health Interviews: Encouraging the reporting of any illness related to food handling to manage risks effectively.

1. Meat - Graded, Cuts, Dried, Packed
2. Wool - Sheared, Graded, Packed
3. Grains - Graded, Milled, Packed, Baked

1. Increased Desire for New Experiences: Consumers are seeking unique experiences, which agritourism provides through farm visits and related activities.
2. Local Economic Benefits: Agritourism allows communities to retain more revenue as tourists enjoy local produce and experiences.
3. Family Engagement: Families are inclined to introduce children to agricultural practices and the rural lifestyle, fostering a deeper connection with the land.

Agritourism contributes to economic objectives through job creation in rural areas, enhancing food security by promoting local production, and generating additional income for farmers. Furthermore, it can attract tourists, leading to increased spending in local communities, thus boosting the overall economy.