REPORT

ON

STUDENT'S INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES)

UNDERTAKEN BY

MATTHEW, ISAAC ITORO

17/AG/AE/978
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AND EXTENSION

SUBMITTED TO

DR. UDOSEN.U.UDOSEN
INTERNSHIP COORDINATOR
FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE
UNIVERSITY OF UYO, UYO

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF

BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN AGRICULTURE (AGRIC ECONOMICS)

NOVEMBER, 2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1Dedication
1.2Declearation
1.3Certification
1.4Acknowledgement
1.5Introduction
1.6Nature and Duration of SIWES Program
1.7Objectives of SIWES/Internship Program

CHAPTER TWO: ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT

2.1ANS courses
2.2AEC courses
2.3AGR courses
2.4SOS courses
2.5COS courses
2.6Vika's Farms Limited
CHAPTER THREE: CHALLENGES FACED DURING THE SIWES/INTERNSHIP
PROGRAM

CHAPTER FOUR: SUMMARY, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION

4.1 Summary
4.2 Recommendations
4.3 Conclusion
 DEDICATION

I dedicate this report firstly to the Almighty God for His unlimited grace, ever consistent love,
immeasurable faithfulness, and preservation of my life throughout the period of my SIWES
programme. Secondly to my lovely and amazing Family for their immense support and
assistance all through the programme.
 DECLARATION
I declare that the report is originally documented by Mattew, Isaac Itoro 17/AG/AE/978 of the
department of Agric Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Uyo, Uyo
during the SIWES/Internship program, under the supervision of Dr. Udosen. U. Udosen
(Internship coordinator).

Mattew, Isaac Itoro

17/AG/AE/978
Agricultural Economics and Extension
....................................
Signature/date
 CERTIFICATION

This work is an original documentation by Mattew, Isaac Itoro 17/AG/AE/978, of the

Department of Agric Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture University of Uyo, Uyo,
having taken active participation in all the activities of the 2020/2021 Internship/SIWES
program, University of Uyo, Uyo.
I therefore certify that this report is based on the practical experiences acquired throughout the
program.

Dr. Udosen. U. Udosen

(Internship Coordinator)
.......................................
Signsture/Date
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I am indebted to the dean, faculty of agriculture, Prof. G. N. Udom, former and the current
coordinator, in persons of Dr. Mrs.Glory Enyenihi and Dr. Udosen, all the lecturers, the farm
attendants who have in one way or the other contributed to the success of the ongoing internship
programme. Amongst them is the assistant internship coordinators both forms and current in the
person of Dr. Mrs. Eno and Dr. Usen Peter who had been so persistent and consistent in working
tirelessly in ensuring that the field work is carried out successfully.
This acknowledgement would not be complete without expressing my sincere appreciation
to my fellow internship comrades in the Faculty of Agriculture, amongst them is my able
internship chairman, Kamse Obot and his crew who has always make out time to see us through
the daily task.
I say may the good lord bless and reward you all abundantly for making the current
internship programme a success.
 INTRODUCTION

The Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme(SIWES)/Internship is the acceptable skills

training program which forms part of the approved minimum academic standards in the various
degree program for all Nigerian Universities.
Faculties of Agriculture in Nigerian Universities are assigned with the responsibility of training
undergraduates in several disciplines in agriculture. In doing so, they employ experimental
learning.
The student work experience scheme established by the Federal Government of Nigeria was
intended for exposing students of higher institution to acquire industrial skills and practical
experiences in their various courses of study and also in preparation for their industrial work
situation after graduation. This report is based on the experience gained throughout the internship
year.
It is an effort to bridge the gap existing between theories and practical, Engineering and
Technology, Science, Agriculture, Medicine, Management and other professional educational
program in Nigeria tertiary Institutions. On this note, the Faculty of Agriculture, University of
Uyo found the need to incorporate practical Agriculture into the academic curriculum to build
practical skills among the students and to avail an opportunity for them to practice what they
have learnt theoretically in lecture halls.
1.3 NATURE AND DURATION OF SIWES/INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The SIWES/Internship program of the faculty of Agriculture, which is meant for all year four
students of the Faculty to expose them to the field/practical experiences before graduation, is a
mandatory and practical-oriented program. The program is organized for students in the
Departments of Agriculture such as Animal science, Crop science, Soil science and Agricultural
Economics and Extension which lasted for a whole Academic Session.

1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE SIWES PROGRAMME

 To expose the students to practical farm activities
 To make a transition from school to easier work experience
 To prepare students for the industrial work condition they are likely to meet and face
after graduation.
 To offer students with the opportunity and access to apply knowledge in real work
situations thereby bridging the gap between theory and practice
 To expose the students to techniques in handling equipment and machinery that may not
be available in their situations.
 To acquaint the students with real life situations in agricultural production
 To groom the students with sound agricultural knowledge cutting across every sphere of
Agricultural industry that will induce high productivity at a low cost.
 CHAPTER TWO
2.1 ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT ON ANS (department of animal science)

Under ANS courses we treated animal production techniques and animal husbandry and health
management.
Feeding: This involves the feeding and management of cattle's. Examples of this feeds are
forages, hay, silage, concentrates, and roughages.
Grazing systems: We Also learnt on the grazing systems and management such as continuous,
rotational, strip and zero grazing system.
Care for cattle: This involves the various means of adequately caring and managing our
livestock's, they include; feeding, proper hygiene and sanitation, and other management practices
such as de-worming, dehorning, hoof trimming, winning, disbudding, vaccination and
identification through ear notching, banding, tattooing etc.
In this course we worked in several animal production units which includes piggery, poultry, and
rabbitary

POULTRY UNIT

The practical carried out in the poultry unit at the University of Uyo research farm Use Offot,
was aimed at producing matured broilers to a marketable size.

We were grouped into 8 different groups and I happened to work with the members of group 3.
Upon arrival of the birds, the brooding house was washed and sanitized with disinfectants and
the surroundings were kept clean. The birds were vaccinated on intervals; the first week was
10ml of lasota vaccine through I.O (intraocular) method, mineral and glucose was administered
in their drinker to ease them of stress. The 2nd, 3rd and fourth weeks were Gumboro, second
dose of Lasota and second dose of Gumboro respectively against Newcastle and IBD (infectious
busal disease).

Care for the poultry birds

Feeding: feed was provided for the birds both morning and evening.

Water: water was given to the birds in their drinkers in the morning as well as in the evening.
Vaccination: Lasota and Gumboro vaccines against Newcastle and IBD.

Heat: Heat was provided through the use of charcoal pot and lantern.

Sanitation: Sweeping of the brooding house every morning and evening to keep it hygienic as
well as washing and changing their drinkers.

Other care: These include the administration of multivitamin and glucose.

PIGGERY AND RABBITARY UNIT

In this unit washed the pens and keep the surrounding neat and tidy, we cleaned the rabbit’s pens
and provide feed (leguminous grasses) for them. We also learnt how to care for pigs, stocking
rate, and general care for pigs that maximize production.

Knowledge gained;
 In this course I learnt how to rear poultry birds from day old to marketable size
 I learn how to properly care for animal so as to be successful in whatever aspect I decide
to venture into.
 I learnt how to detect symptoms of diseases and infections as well as the type of vaccine
to administer and how to administer it (right rate and time).

2.2 ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT ON AEC COURSES (Department of Agricultural

Economics and Extension)
Under this course we were exposed to the following topics;
Principle of farm accounting, Balance sheet, Book-keeping, ledger, journal, manufacturing
account, partnership accounting, company account, analysis and interpretation of accounting
statement.

Agricultural extension system and strategies

Also in this course we studied about Agricultural extension system and strategies. We were
made to know how extension officers operates in their course of duty and the role they play I
making agricultural system suitable for adoption by farmers, both old and young farmers
alike in other to achieve a higher yield or productivity as well as increasing food security.
One effective method of achieving this is through SPAT illustration and demonstration.

Strategies: The strategies employed by extension workers in carrying out their extension
work include the following: individual/household approach, field days and demonstration,
group approach, the mass approach and appraisal method.

Extension field tours

For the extension field tour, we were divided to groups of which I and my group members
visited Etoi high school located at Oron Road Uyo Akwa-Ibom state, which was our place of
primary assignment. Our mission was to educate the student on the important of agriculture
and the various lucrative opportunities they can venture into either full-time or as side hustle
such as crop production, processing, animal production etc.

FNT BLOCK MEETING

Our place of primary assignment was at Obot Idem block, which was held at Saint Lawrence
primary school Uyo, Akwa-Ibom state. The main purpose of this field trip was to be
introduced on how extension agents operate and carry out their meetings. We were made to
understand that they have 32 blocks under that black and four extension agents are each in
charge for 8 blocks which they interact with on new innovations and better agricultural
production process through SPAT demonstration and if it yields a positive outcome, it leads
to adoption.

Knowledge Gained;
 I learnt hope to prepare different account for day to day record keeping in agricultural
operations
 I learnt how extension officers operates, their duties and roles in agriculture likewise how
it can affect agricultural production
 I also learnt how extension agents conduct their meetings and several components they
work with in different cells under a given block.
 2.3 ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT ON AGR COURSES
Chain Survey of Part of University Of Uyo Teaching and Research Farm
The was another successful practical carried out by the faculty on land survey
Location of Surveyed Area: university of uyo faculty of agriculture, main campus, Nwaniba.
Equipment Used: Ranging poles, measuring tapes, machetes, wooden pegs.
Survey Procedure: The procedures include: Reconnaissance, line clearing, Ranging, location of
stations, taping, and measurement.

Knowledge gained;
 A practical knowledge on a proper land survey was gained using designated survey
equipment.
 Knowledge on the proper alignment of ranging poles for accurate measurement was
achieved.
 I learnt how to determine the total area of a land you may want to buy or use for
agricultural purpose.

The Tractor Workshop

This was a practical lecture on the working principles of a tractor as a farm implement used to
cushion the effects of agricultural production in a large farm. The tractor used for this operation
was an Indian tractor (Swaraj 978FE) which has 72 HP (horse power), and four cylinder stroke
engine.
 The lecture covers the following aspects;
 Tractor and its components
 Tractor engines
 Batter rating of the tractor
 Number of strokes in a tractor
 Systems in the tractor
 Fuel water separator
 Functions of lubrications
  Hours of operation in a tractor

Knowledge Gained;
 A general knowledge on how to operate a tractor was gained.
 I also acquired knowledge on the maintenance of a tractor for proper functioning and
operation to derive maximum output

THE WEATHER STATION

The Instruments Seen At the Weather Station and What They Measure

Camp bell-stoke recorder: The camp bells stoke recorder measures sunshine. Sunlight shines
into one side of a glass ball and leaves through the opposite side in a concentrated ray. This
ray of light burns a mark onto a thick piece of card. The extensiveness of the burn mark
indicates how many hours the sun shone during that day.

Wind vane: A wind vane measures the direction of the wind at any given point in time. A
weighted-arrow spins around a fixed shaft and point north, south, east or west, typically
marked on separate fixed shafts parallel to the arrow.

Pan evaporator: Pan Evaporator is an instrument used to measure the effective evaporation. The
instrument works by measuring the volume of water required to maintain constant level in a
given time, which can be 6, 12 or 24 hours. The volume of water consumed becomes mm of
water evaporated per unit of time.

Tilting siphon rainfall recorder: the tilting siphon rainfall recorder produces a record of rainfall
against time. The automatic tilting action ensures unlimited collecting capacity. It is
frequently used in conjunction with a daily rain gauge to provide a permanent record of the
start and end of rainfall, together with variations in intensity.

Anemometer: Anemometer measures the direction and speed of wind in miles per hour. A
common type anemometer has three cups fixed to a mobile shaft. As the wind blows faster,
the cup spins around faster. The actual speed of the wind shows up on the dial.

Rain gauge: A rain gauge measures the amount of rainfall. The standard rain gauge consists of a
long, narrow cylinder capable of measuring up to 8inches.Many rain gauges measure
precipitation in millimeters, or to the nearest 100th of an inch. Other gauges collect the rain
and weight, later converting this measurement into inches.
Maximum-minimum thermometer: maximum-minimum thermometer is used to show the
different in temperature over a period of time, usually one day. The difference between the
daily maximum and the daily minimum is called the diurnal range.

Soil thermometer: This is an instrument used in measuring the degree of hotness and coldness
of the soil.

A Stevenson screen: A Stevenson screen is a box, made of a double layer screens and it is used
to shield meteorological instrument when there is precipitation or the instrument are exposed
to direct heat radiation from outside sources. This shelter allows free passage of air around the
temperature and humidity sensors. The Stevenson screen is painted white to reflect the sun's
radiation.

A hydrometer: a hydrometer is an instrument used to measure the specific gravity {or relative
density} of liquids; that is, the ratio of the density of liquid to water.

Knowledge gained;
o I was exposed to the instrument used in the weather station and their work
functions including how they can affect agriculture.
o I learnt how to measure soil temperature which helps a farmer to know what time
is favorable for planting.
o I learnt about the wind vane that helps farmers to better understand the direction
of wind so as to know how to plant against wind to prevent damage of plants.
o The collection and the measurement of sunlight (solar radiation) using camp-bell
stoke sunshine recorder was explained as I was left with the foreknowledge of
proper calibration of the radiation card.

2.4 ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT ON SOS COURSES (Department of soil science)

Under this course we were taught on the soil sampling techniques, collection and
classification of rocks, soil profile pit, and method of fertilizer application through SPAT
illustration.

Soil sampling techniques

This involves the process of collecting samples of soils from various locations (usually
three different locations) in order to determine the level of fertility, soil organic matter, soil
properties and nutrient availability.
Apparatus used for this process;
Core sampler, Auger, Masking tape, Polythene bags, Calico material
Collection and classification of rocks
 Here we were exposed to the types of rocks which include igneous, metamorphic, and
sedimentary rocks. We also learnt on the types of minerals, their composition and characteristics
such as hardness, cleavage and fracture, color and luster, streak, density etc.
Rock forming minerals: This includes Quartz, Olivine, Feldspar, Mica, Pyroxene, and
Amphibole.

SOIL PROFILE

Often interchangeable referred to as classification of soil, Profile pit and soil survey experience
was led by Dr. Udeme S. Akpan of the Department of Soil science and Land Resources
Management. The exercise was carried out to understand the characteristics of the soils of the
University of Uyo Teaching and Research Farm. This demonstration exercise was carried out to
educate the students on the fundamentals and processes of soil survey which is a preliminary of
obtaining the soil capability and capacity.

The process involved the digging of a 2m deep profile pit; classification of the soil
involved the identification of the different horizon based on color differences, classification of
the horizon with their respective physical and chemical properties. The activity was carried out
on two days and the activities done were sitting, digging and Description of the Profile pit. The
chemical properties of the horizons were to be obtained from the lab hence, samples were sent in
this regard.

Equipment used:

 Machete
 Spade
 GPS
 Measuring tape

Method of fertilizer application through SPAT illustration

Also we were introduced to how fertilizer are applied in farm through the use of SPAT
demonstration, where the land was divided in to 5 plots of which 4 were given treatment and the
last plot was meant for treatment control.
Crop use for the illustration: Cassava
Number of plots: Five plots were used for the illustration of which treatment was applied to four
as well as fertilizers.
Weed control: This was done manually through the use of holes.
Fertilizer applications: Urea fertilizer was applied through the use of band placement by
making a ring 10cm apart around each stands of the cassava.

General knowledge gained in SOS

 I learnt how to properly apply fertilizer at the right rate, time and place.
 I learnt how to carry out soil sampling.
 Best methods of applying fertilizer to prevent blanket application
 I also learnt on the types of rocks, minerals, their composition and characteristics.

2.5ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT ON COS COURSES (department of crop science)

The following activities were carried out on the above mentioned course;

Planting of Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis)

Land Preparation
The land was cleared and the removal of stump was also done to make the land suitable for
planting. Seeds were separated from the pulp and sun-dried before planting. If seeds are down
without been "preconditioned" which is sun drying, seed germination or emergent may be slow
and irregular.
Planting: The planting material used was the seed. Due to the size of the seeds, three (3) seeds
were planted per hole to guarantee a satisfactory number of plants per stand, should incase some
fails to germinate or suffer destruction.
Planting Date: Pumpkin was cultivated on the 29th of October, 2021, when the climate
condition was favorable.
Spacing: The planting spacing was 1m × 1m inter and intra row spacing. The seeds were placed
horizontally in the hole not upright to aid proper germination and seed sprouting. Vertical
placement would have resulted in the breaking of cotyledons and damage to the embryo, which
then leads to germination failure.
Planting depth: Pumpkin seeds were sown at the depth of 4-5cm.

Post - Planting Operation

Weeding: Weeding was done manually with hoes.
Staking: This was done through the use of bamboo and ropes which used to connect the vines of
the Telfairia to the bamboo. This was done to avoid the vines lying of the flour and be affected
by heat and to also achieve a high productivity in pod production.

Irrigation: This was also carried out manually using watering can for uniform supply of water to
the Telfairia stands.
Organic Manure Application: Organic manure such poultry droppings were used to ensure an
improvement in the yield and growth of the crop.
Pests and Diseases: Leafeating beetles caused by Copa occidentalis, Aulocopheravinula, and
Epilachnachrisomelin.
Harvesting: The first harvesting of leaves was done 4 weeks after emergence. Harvesting was
mostly done after every two weeks.

Planting of Sweet Corn (Zea mays)

Planting Operations
Sweet corn was planted on April, 2022, with a planting distance of 1m X 1m intra and inter row
spacing respectively and planting depth of 2cm and seed rate of 1 seed on ridges.
Variety planted: Sugar king F1
Weed control: This was done through the use of chemicals (herbicides) sprays to control weeds.
Fertilizer Application: Inorganic manure (N.P.K) was applied
 Planting of Cassava (Manihot esculenta)
Pre planting operations

Soil testing: This was done through the use of coloration soil testing method. It was meant to
evaluate the deficiency of plant nutrient and to know what type of nutrient is lacking, the type of
fertilizer to be applied and the rate of application to enhance a better growth and productivity.

Planting Operations
Site Selection: The University of Uyo Teaching and Research Farm (main campus) was selected
for planting. Cassava was grown on soil texture that is friable (breakable). The soil that is well
drained, fertile, free from water logged.
Land Preparation: This was done both mechanically through the use of tractor and manually by
using spades, machetes, hoes, pegs etc, for the straightening of ridges and construction of
furrows to control runoff and avoid erosion and flooding.
Varieties Planted: give me a chance (TMS419) and TMS 413.
Planting Date: Cassava stem cuttings were planted on September, 2021.
Spacing: The required spacing for the cassava stem cutting was 1m x 1m.
Planting Method: Slanting method was used in sowing the cassava stem cuttings. The cassava
stem cuttings were buried in a slanting way at an angle of 450. The nodes were lowered to touch
the soil very well and the internodes were facing upward.
Planting rate: Cassava stem cuttings were sown at the rate of 2 stem cuttings per stand.
Weeding: This was done manually with the use of hoe.
Fertilizer application: The fertilizer applied was NPK 12:12:17, which was done by ring
method (band placement).

Knowledge gained;
 I learnt that planting in a slanting position at angle of 45° rather than burring gives higher
yield of production.
 I learnt how to apply fertilizer
 I learnt that planting cassava stems with about 5-6 nodes is ideal for proper growth
 I also learnt how to carry out soil test to determine nutrient deficiency in a given piece of
land
 Sweet Potatoes (Ipomoea batatas)
Pre - Planting Operations
Land Preparation: The field was cleared, shrubs were removed and beds were made with
dimensions of 2m×3m
Planting Operations
The Varieties planted: UMUSPO-4(Orange flesh), UMUSPO-1(Orange flesh) and NASPOY
11(White flesh).
Planting: The planting material used was the potato vines. The vines were planted by vegetative
propagation at the rate of 1 vine per hole at a depth of 2-3cm.
Planting Date: The potatoes vines were cultivated on the 22nd of October, 2021.
Spacing: The planting spacing was 30cm × 30cm inter and intra row spacing.
Planting Depth: The planting depth at which the potatoes vines were planted was at 2-3cm.
Weeding: Weeding was done manually with hoes.
Fertilization Application: Organic Manure (poultry droppings) was used to ensure an
improvement in the yield and growth of the crop. This was applied 15cm away from the stem
using ring method.

General Knowledge Gained from the COS course;

 During the period of study I acquired knowledge on how to properly utilize farm
implement.
 I also acquire knowledge on waste management were weeds and other unwanted
biological materials could be utilized (mulching) for plants growth.
 I was able to acquire knowledge on the methods of fertilizer application.
 Part of the knowledge I gained was foreknowledge on the general farm management
where little resources could be utilized for a maximum production.
 I also gained knowledge on the appropriate methods of planting crops to have better
yield.
2.6 VIKA'S FARMS LIMITED
Activities Carried Out In Vika's Farms Limited
At vika farms LTD, we were exposed to several aspects and components in agriculture which
lasted for a period of two weeks. During my two weeks of stay at vika farms LTD I was assigned
to various units.
The following were the units and the activities carried out in each of the units;

PIGGERY
Pigs are monogastric animals. The gestation period of pigs is 3 months, 3 weeks and 3 days.
They are weaned at 3 - 4 weeks and sexually mature at 5- 6 months. At 18 months, they become
adults.
Two breeds of pigs were available in the unit which was: Landrace, York shire, Duroc hog and
large white. They have the following characteristics:
Landrace- White color, stout limbs, long body, fair and fine hair, dropy ears.
York shire- Are white color with black spots, opened erect ears.
Duroc hog- large body size, red spot.
Large white- Pure white color, large erect ears

Activities Carried Out In the Unit

 Sweeping and washing of the pen.
 Changing their drinking waters
 Bathing the pigs to ease them of stress
 Formulation of their feed every morning
 Feeding and packing of the remnants.
 A brief lecture on pigs, how to properly care for them both young and adult, signs to look
out for.
Knowledge gained;
 I learnt how to keep pens clean.
 I learnt the signs of a heat period in pigs.
 I learnt how to mix pig feed and feed them
 I learnt about the essence of bathing or damping their pens
 POULTRY UNIT
This unit was subdivided into;
The brooding house: a brooding house is a well confined enclosure were day old chicks are
brood for 3weeks before they could be transferred to a normal pen. In this phase, the birds are
given vaccines, multivitamins, glucose and provided with heat either mechanical through lantern
or charcoal pot or electrical by heat bulb all of which are essential for normal growth and
development.
The Pilotis: a pilotis is a specially built pen where the broilers are raised for commercial
purposes.
The layer unit: this unit is where the layers are raised for egg production.
Picking of eggs was done very early in the morning 10am in the morning and 3pm in the
afternoon after which they are sorted into Jumbo size, medium size, small size, pewee size and
the cracked ones are also sorted. They are also fed, given water and packing their liters.

Activities Carried Out in the Unit

 Daily sweeping and cleaning of the pens
 Changing of the foot dip which helps to prevent infections
 Feeding of the birds
 Collection and sorting of eggs into various sizes such as peewee, small, medium and
jumbo sizes
 Sweeping and washing of the battery cage in preparation for receiving newly birds to be
stocked.
Knowledge gained;
 Knowledge on proper brooding of chicks was gained
 I also learnt how the poultry birds are vaccinated and the right dose at different stage of
their life
 AQUACULTURE UNIT
Aquaculture is a large enclosure where fishes are raised. The aquaculture comprises of the
concrete and the earthen pond.
Catfish and tilapia are raised in separates concrete pond while the earthen pond contains the
tilapia.
Activities carried out;
 Washing of fish ponds
 Feeding of fishes
 We were taught how hatchery is done to source for fingerlings
 Sorting of fishes (fry’s, fingerlings, and juveniles)

Knowledge gained;
 Knowledge on how fish could be sorted into fry’s, fingerlings and juveniles was gained.
 I also learnt the fish feeding ratio.
 I was exposed to the knowledge general pond sanitation and pond disinfection.

COCOA UNIT
In this unit we were taught on how to prune the cocoa so as to allow sun light penetrate which is
essential for proper growth and development of the cocoa pods. We also applied chemicals to
curb the effect of pest and diseases.
Activities carried out;
 Sweeping of the cocoa plantation
 Apply of organic fertilizer
 Pruning of the cocoa plantation to allow for sunlight Penetration

Knowledge gained;
 I learn on how to prune cocoa
 How to apply pesticides effectively
 I learnt on how to harvest and process cocoa for both the juice extraction and for
beverages and other by-products
 GENERAL FARM WORK
In this we touched every aspect of crop plantation ranging from tomato, maize, oil palm
cocoanut, fig tree, bush mango and avocado plantation.
Activities carried out:
 Weeding of the plants to prevent competition of nutrient with grasses
 Daily watering of the nurseries and crop in the morning and evening
 Removing oil palm fruit from the bunch and sieving it to remove chaffs

SNAILERY
In this unit, we taught how to feed sails, moist their pen to prevent hibernation.
Activities carried out:
 Feeding of the snails
 Wetting of the pen and breaking the ground to ensure even moistening
Knowledge gained;
 I learnt how moistening the pen enhances the survival of the snails during dry season to
prevent hibernation and death
 I learnt on how to feed them

NURSERY UNIT
In this unit, I worked in the oil palm and coconut nursery as well as the plantation of general
crops.
Activities carried out in this unit:
 Packing of harvested palm fruits
 Watering of the nurseries and general crop plantation both in the morning and evening
 Weeding the nursery by handpicking and sourcing for oil palm seedlings to replace the
dead ones.
Knowledge gained;
 I learnt how harvesting of palm fruit is done
  I learnt how to properly set up a nursery and the composition of what it should contain in
terms of soil and organic manure at the accurate proportion.

OIL PALM UNIT

Activities carried out in this unit: step-by-step process involve in oil production

 harvesting
 packing
 stripping or debouching
 screening
 sterilization
 separating the chaff from the seeds
 put clean seed in the steamer
 Send to digestive screw press to get the oil (digestion or pounding)
 Steaming process which is called clarification and it aids the softening of the mesocarp
and give FFA (free fatty acid)
 Take the oil to the purifier which has two outlets. The one on top is for the oil passage
and the one below is the water passage.
 Then cover the fibre for two days before further pressing.

Equipment used for the extraction process includes the following:

 Hydraulic press: it is used for pressing produces the TPO 2(fibre)

 Kernel separator: for separating the fibre and kernel
 Kernel cracker: for cracking the kernel and removal of the endocarp
 the dissector
 the screener
 the sterilizer or steamer (conserve heat more, soften mesocarp and remove clean fatty
acid)

Products obtained

 The following products were obtained:

 DSP (Digestive screw press)...oil gotten here is the TPO 1 (technical Palm oil 1)
 TPO (technical Palm oil 1)
 TPO2: Pressing the fibre for the second time we have TPO2
 SPO: Pressing further more will yield SPO (special Palm oil). It has as low quantity and
very pure. This is what we export. Price is very high.
  PKC: This is gotten after the extraction of SPO. PKC is also known as (Palm kernel
cake).
 PKO (Palm kernel offal).... this is in scattered form.

Knowledge obtained:

 I learnt how to extract oil efficiently

 I learnt on how the several machines used for this process operates.
 CHAPTER THREE

GENERAL CHALLENGES FACED DURING THE SIWES/INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

 Destruction of crops by animals
 Stress due to combination of lectures with farm activities
 Improper handling of the chicks leading to high mortality
 Tedious nature of the work
 Etiolating of Fluted Pumpkin as a result of the excess shading by the yam
 Difficulty to source for staking material (bamboo) for staking the fluted pumpkin
 There was only one source of water in the farm.
 The farm had neither homestead nor store house where tools and implements could be
stored.
 Transportation cost to and fro to the farm at permanent Site.
 CHAPTER FOUR
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

4.1 SUMMARY
The essence of the entire program was to enlighten interns on the ways and methods of
performing agricultural operations in a more productive and suitable approach. I was exposed to
some practical agricultural skills, right attitude to work, several production techniques, and
leadership which I can't learn with just lectures. The entire program was effective in impacting a
change as well as an eye opener to the practical world of agriculture, thereby imputing a change
in both character and attitude of agricultural interns towards achieving high yield and
productivity.

The importance of practical experience in agriculture as well as other fields cannot be over
emphasized. Exposure to practical gives you a fore sight to harness the limited resources to get a
good result and it helps students to compete with their counterpart in their profession.
5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS

 I strongly recommend the implementation of farm fencing to prevent animals from

destroying the crops.
 The use of mechanization should be enforced in carrying out basic farm operations.
 Proper and adequate care should be given to the chicks to avoid mortality and disease
outbreak.
 There should be multiple sources of water supply to support farm irrigation.
 The use of plastic mulch should be embraced to avoid the emergence of weed competing
with the crops.
 Farm security should be provided to safeguard the farm crops from theft.
 There should be a punishable penalty for the intern who fails to comply with the farm
rules and regulation.
 There should constant electricity supply in the brooding house to avoid trampling and for
adequate supply of heat.
 Students in agriculture should be introduce to more of practical approach in order to
acquire more real life experiences to guarantee their competence both in the field and
outside the field.
5.2 CONCLUSION
The SIWES/internship programme was successful and very impactful; all thanks to the
coordinator and the personnel’s who were actively involved all through the duration of the
program.
Despite the challenges encountered during this program, I must say that this program was
profitable as it did not only equip, groom and expose me to knowledge but gave me a practical
experience and understanding i require to explore and thrive in agricultural industry. The
SIWES/Internship program was worth every stress and should be sustained for the young ones to
see and appreciate the beauty of agriculture.