Occupation, Business and Technology 7

Lesson

3

Modernization in Business Skill

Teaching Learning Objectives
After the study of this lesson, students will be able:
• to describe the methods of modernization in business.

Pre-reading Activity
Why do people advertise their products? Discuss.

Terms & Terminologies

competitive : used to describe a situation in which people or
organizations compete against each other and try
very hard to be better than others

modernize : to make a system, methods, etc. more modern and
more suitable for use at the present time

scheme : proposal, plan

installment : one of a number of payments that are made regularly
over a period of time until something has been paid
for

Communication : the activity or process of expressing ideas and
feelings or of giving people information

Occupation, Business and Technology Education # 7 101

A. Introduction
Business is a skill. There are many people

who run the same business but very few are
earning good profit. They are able to attract
the customers towards them. But, some other
businessmen are facing problems to run and
maintain the business. Why does it happen
so? Goods and markets are the same but
there is difference in turn over. Business is
a very tough skill and very few people are
really successful in business. A businessman
should always think of the customers, their comfort, their benefit and
their trust. Business has become very competitive at the present time
because of modern technology. Those people who are able to use modern
technologies are successful in business. Those who can’t use modern
methods and technologies, are facing problems to run their professions
and businesses. The following methods are used to modernize business.

B. Methods of Modernization in Business Skill
• To use modern means of communication and information in

business

• To use internet, radio, website and newspaper for attractive
advertisement of goods and services

• To reserve goods to attract customers at the time of shortage

• To provide goods in easy instalments to help customers

• To study customers' interest and demand carefully

• To use network business

• To maintain quality of the products over time

• To protect from duplicate products in the market

• To change design of the goods according to market demand and to
provide attractive design

• To provide different types of attractive discounts and offers

• To produce goods focusing on customers

• To give facility of e-commerce to the customers

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C. Reservation and Installment Schemes in Business
Sometimes, the customers don’t get things easily in the market. In

this condition, the businessman takes money from the customers in
installments. When the customers pay for the goods then the things are
produced and given to the customers. In this process, things are given
when the customers pay all money. But in installment scheme, the
customers pay some money as down payment and take the goods and
use. They pay money in easy installments within a fixed time period.
In these schemes, the cost of the goods might be a bit higher. But by
using these schemes in business, goods can be sold to the low income
customers also.

Activity and Exercise

1. What do you mean by modernization of business? Discuss and write.
2. What are the skills and ways of modernization in business?
3. Write a short note on installment scheme in business.

Project Work
Identify any two businessmen, one of them is earning profit and another one
is bearing loss. Observe and highlight their business skills.

Occupation, Business and Technology Education # 7 103

Lesson

4

Search of Agro-based Business and
Partnership Skill

Teaching Learning Objectives
After the study of this lesson, students will be able:
• to define agro-based business partnership skill.

Pre-reading Activity

What types of agricultural businesses prevail in your locality?
Discuss.

Terms & Terminologies

agro : related to agriculture or farming

agro-market : a place where agriculture products are sold and
purchased

agro-business : business related to agricultural products and things

poultry : chickens, ducks and geese, kept for their meat or eggs

partnership : cooperation

cooperative : involving doing something together or working together
with others towards a shared aim

104 Occupation, Business and Technology Education # 7

A. Introduction
There are different types of trades. Some trades are based on construction

materials, some trades are based on medicines, some trades are based on
machines, instruments, vehicle, some trades are based on information
technologies, some trades are based on agriculture and its related
professions. Agro-based business refers to the business which is based on
agriculture. Agro-based business includes food and crops, vegetables, fruits
and flowers, animals and dairy products, honey products, fish and poultry
products, etc. All these things are related to agriculture and the business
which is based on these products is called agro-based business.
B. Agro-Business and Market
When we run a profession of selling and buying goods and services related
to agricultural products, it is called agro-based profession and where
agro-based business is done that place is known as agro-market or
agriculture market. In agro-market, farmers and other businessmen
sell and buy different types of goods produced from agriculture. Food
items, meat, fruits, fish, flowers, animals, dairy products, etc. are sold
and purchased in the agro-market.

C. Process of Agro-Business
Like other trades, agro-business has a long process. Farmers

produce things in the field. They sell it to the businessmen in
the market. The businessmen sell these things to the people.

Occupation, Business and Technology Education # 7 105

Agro-business can be done in partnership. Farmers and businessmen
can form partnership for profit from agriculture. People can run
agro- businesses jointly. Nowadays, there is development of co-operative
farming and business both in city and village areas. Through the co-
operative farming and business, people have improved their living
standard.
D. Introduction to Cooperative
The co-operative business has developed from the people’s partnership
skill in the village. People co-operate during the time of birth, death,
marriage, feast and festival. This trend of doing work jointly has led
to the development of cooperatives in modern time. At present, there
are different types of co-operatives. In 2057, Ministry of Agriculture
and Co-operative was established. After that, co-operative business,
agriculture, finance, saving, etc. have been developed in the country.
They have created different employments and opportunities for the
people and people have got opportunities to get employment and
income. It has helped to improve their living standard.

Activity and Exercise

1. What is called an agro-based business? Discuss and write.
2. What do you mean by agro-market? Explain.
3. What is the process of agro-business? Discuss and write.
4. What is a co-operative? Discuss and write.

Project Work
Prepare a file describing the agro-based business of your locality.

106 Occupation, Business and Technology Education # 7

Lesson

5

Process of Price Determination of
Goods and Services

Teaching Learning Objectives
After the study of this lesson, students will be able:
• to define agro-based business partnership skill

Pre-reading Activity
What types of agricultural business prevail in your locality? Discuss.

Terms & Terminologies

price : value, cost

market : a place to buy and sell goods

goods : productions

determination : to decide, to fix

transport : carry

importance : significance

producer : cultivator

demand : a very strong request or need

Occupation, Business and Technology Education # 7 107

A. Introduction

When you go to the market to buy things, you pay some price for the things
you buy. There are different types of things. People produce things and
sell in the market. Do you know how the price of things is determined?
Do the sellers determine the price as they want? Sometimes, you see
the things which you buy in off season; you pay very high price for the
things and in another season they are very cheap. What are the reasons
behind it? There is no any hard and fast rule about price determination
of the things which are sold in the market because different things have
different price in the market in different times. The producers want to get
more profit. The following things are considered while determining the
price of goods and services.

B. Determining Factors of Price

There are many factors to determine the price of the things. They are as
follows:

Cost of Demand Season
insurance of the of production

customers

Cost of Competition of
packing the market

and Factors that Determine Price
transport
Importance of
Cost of goods
labour

Cost Nature
of raw of goods
materials
Profit
Durability of the
of the producers
goods

The given factors play a significant role in determining the price of the goods
and services in the market.

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C. Things to be Considered to Determine Price
Generally, the following things are considered while determining the

price:
• Total cost to produce the goods

• Total cost of transport and advertisement

• Tax and other charges paid to the government

• Insurance of the things in case of damage

• The profit taken by the producers

• Demand of the customers

Activity and Exercise

1. How is price of any thing determined? Discuss in the class.
2. Describe the factors that determine the price of any goods or services.

Project Work

Prepare a report of different prices of any thing on the basis of your observation
in the market with the help of following table.

S.N. Name of the Level of demand: Price in Remarks
goods high, medium and
different date
low

Occupation, Business and Technology Education # 7 109

Points to Remember

Lesson-1 Selection of Business, Its Management and Performance
m The act of buying and selling is known as business and it is a kind of

profession.
m A business creates different professions.
m The objective of a business is always to earn profit.
m But a profession is not always to earn but it sometimes is done for

contribution without taking any return.

Lesson-2 Search of Business and Partnership Skill
m The process of finding a new place or market to sell goods and services

is called search of business.
m When two or more persons jointly run a business to earn profit it is

known as parternership business.
m Mutual understanding, trust, respect, feeling of responsibility, fair

accounts, and devotion to common goal are the elements of partnership
skill.

Lesson-3 Modernization in Business
m To use modern technologies for the development of business is known

as modernization of business.
m By using mass media for advertisement such as newspaper, TV, Radio,

FM, Internet, Websites,
m Providing e business and home delivery, installment facility, discount

and offer, any time service, etc make a business modern.

Lesson-4 Search of Agro-Based Business and Partnership Skill
m Selling and buying of agricultural products and things is called agro-

business.
m Farmers are the cultivators of agricultural things and they sell their

goods in the market.
m Agro-business can be run in cooperatives, too.

Lesson-5 Process of Price Determination of Goods and Services
m Modern business is done in cash.
m Everything is valued in currency.
m Everything has its value or price.
m Demand of the goods, season, insurance, packing, transport of raw

materials, nature of goods, durability, profit, advertisement, place etc.
determine the price of goods and services.

110 Occupation, Business and Technology Education # 7

Unit

7

Vegetable Farming

This Unit Contains: Estimated Teaching Periods : 20

1. Introduction to Seasonal and Off-seasonal Vegetable Farming 112
2. Organic Compost and Chemical Fertilizers 115
3. Farming of Earthworms 118
4. Compost and Chemical Fertilizers 122
5. Introduction to Drip Irrigation and Use 124
6. Seasonal Cultivation in the Kitchen Garden and Care 126
7. Protection of Vegetables from Harmful Diseases and Insects 129

Occupation, Business and Technology Education # 7 111

Lesson

1

Introduction to Seasonal and Off-
seasonal Vegetable Farming

Teaching Learning Objectives
After the study of this lesson, students will be able:
• to classify seasonal and off-seasonal vegetables
• to state the importance of vegetable farming

Pre-reading Activity
What types of vegetables are grown in your locality? Tell your class.

Terms & Terminologies

seasonal : happening or needed during a particular season;
varying with the seasons

off-season : out of season, not a regular time

vegetable : a plant or part of a plant that is eaten as food

urbanization : changing village into city or town with modern facility

vitamin : a natural substance found in food that is an essential
part of what humans and animals eat to help them grow
and stay healthy

mineral : a substance that is naturally present in the earth and
is not formed from animal or vegetable matter, for
example gold and salt; some minerals are also present in
food and drink and in the human body and are essential
for good health

112 Occupation, Business and Technology Education # 7

A. Introduction
Food, vegetables, fruits, minerals, vitamins, etc. are the essential elements

for our health. Vegetables are also very important for our health. In our
daily food, we eat vegetables. Vegetables provide us different types of
essential elements required for our body. Nowadays, vegetable farming
has become an important profession of the farmers as well as other people.
As urbanization is developing, the profession of vegetable farming is
also developing nearby the city as well as in other places too. People are
getting a good livelihood as well as profit from vegetable farming. The
farmers who did not have any income source before are earning modestly
by producing vegetables. So, knowledge of vegetable farming is the need
of the time.

B. Types of Vegetable Farming
There are two types of vegetable farming on the basis of season. One is

seasonal vegetable farming and another is off-seasonal vegetable farming.

C. Seasonal Vegetables Farming
Everything has its season of growth and development. Crops, vegetables,

fruits, flowers, etc. have their own season or time of production. All
living beings need appropriate temperature, water, weather, etc. for
proper growth. So, seasonal vegetable farming refers to the production
of vegetables in their appropriate season, time, temperature, rain and
weather. These are the determining factors of vegetable farming. Seasonal
vegetables are those which are produced in their own season. There are
winter season, rainy season, summer season. Some vegetables grow in
rainy season such as pumpkin, cucumber, bean, etc.

D. Off-Seasonal Vegetable Farming
Off-seasonal vegetable farming refers to the production of vegetables

before or after the actual season of vegetables. When we grow vegetables
in seasons in which they can’t grow naturally they are called off-seasonal
vegetables.

Occupation, Business and Technology Education # 7 113

For example, the rainy season vegetables such as cucumber and pumpkin
are also grown in the winter season.

For off-seasonal vegetables, we prepare artificial environment of
temperature, water, etc. and we grow the vegetables.

E. Types of off-seasonal vegetable growing season

Cabbage : Year Round Summer Squash : March- May
Cauliflower
Cucumber : January- March Carrot : January- March

: April- November Swiss Chard : Year Round

Tomato : Year Round Sponge Guord : April - May
Radish : January March
Brinjal : Year Round Bitter Guord : April - May

Pumpkin : April - May

Off seasonal vegetable farming is growing day by day because of its
high demand in the market. The government, private institutions and
individuals are growing off-seasonal vegetables to fulfill the demands of
the customers. People are making a very good income from off-seasonal
vegetable farming. For off-seasonal vegetable farming, we need specially
prepared seeds or seedlings, appropriate environment, soil, water, proper
care and protection from different diseases as well as good knowledge
about the plantation, growth, vegetable diseases and precautions about
them.

Activity and Exercise

1. What are called seasonal vegetables? Discuss and write.
2. What are called off-seasonal vegetables? Discuss and write.
3. Write the importance of off-seasonal vegetables.
4. What should be considered for the production of off-seasonal vegetables?

Project Work
Prepare a file describing the seasonal and off-seasonal vegetables which are
found and grown in your locality.

114 Occupation, Business and Technology Education # 7

Lesson

2

Organic Compost and Chemical
Fertilizers

Teaching Learning Objectives
After the study of this lesson, students will be able:
• to state the importance of organic fertilizers and disadvantages of chemical fertilizers.

Pre-reading Activity

What types of fertilizers have you seen being used by the farmers in
your locality? Discuss in the class.

Terms & Terminologies

organic : (of food, farming methods, etc.) produced or practiced
compost without using artificial chemicals
fertilizer
chemical : a mixture of decayed plants, food, etc. that can be added
chemistry to soil to help plants grow

: a substance added to soil to make plants grow more
successfully

: produced by using processes which involve changes to
atoms or molecules

: the scientific study of the structure of substances, how
they react when combined or in contact with one another,
and how they behave under different conditions:

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A. Introduction to Organic Compost or Fertilizers
Compost is a mixture of decayed plants, food, leaves, weeds, husks,

fodder, cowshed waste, kitchen waste, straw, human excreta, fish
dust, bone dust, etc. that can be added to soil to help plants grow. It is
used during the time of plantation. It is natural and it maintains soil’s
productivity. It is traditional fertilizer which is being used in the field
from time immemorial. Compost should be used during plantation. It
should be mixed in the soil before one month of plantation.

B. Advantages of Organic Fertilizers
Advantages of Organic Fertilizers

Compost is natural fertilizer and very useful.

It maintains and develops the natural productivity of soil.

It is traditional, cheap and easy to make.

It has no side effects on human health.

The crops produced using compost are hygienic and tasty.

It is environment friendly and has no negative effects on
environment.

Its popularity and importance is growing day by day
because of its hygienic quality.

C. Chemical Fertilizers
Fertilizer prepared artificially in the factory by using different types

of chemicals is called chemical fertilizer. It is made by using different
types of chemicals. Chemical fertilizers are used when there is lack of
organic compost. It helps to grow the plants fast. There are two types
of chemical fertilizers: single and mix fertilizer. Single fertilizer means
having only one element such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium.
Some examples of single element fertilizers are-ammonium sloped,
urea, single super phosphate murex of potash. Some examples of mixed
fertilizers are complex salt, DAP, etc.

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D. Use of Chemical Fertilizers
Chemical fertilizers should be

used properly and according
to the instructions of JT. While
using nitrogen, it should be
mixed in the soil during the
time of plantation and after
plantation. Nitrogen can be
ineffective if it is used before
two months of plantation. So it
should be used while planting crops. Phosphorus, potash, sulfur, boron,
copper, etc. should be used in the soil before the plantation. If chemical
fertilizers are used properly, plants can grow properly and give benefit.

E. Disadvantages of Chemical Fertilizers

Disadvantages of Chemical Fertilizers

• It is artificial and made of different chemicals.
• It can't be used like organic compost in the soil because it needs special skills to use.
• Excessive use of chemical fertilizer damages the productivity of land.
• It is not environment friendly and creates pollution.
• Chemical fertilizers create water pollution and soil pollution.
• The products of chemical fertilizers are not hygienic and create health hazards.
• Long time use of chemical fertilizers makes the land barren.
• It can create different types of allergy during the time of use.
• Sometimes, it becomes the cause of the death of children and other people also.

Activity and Exercise

1. What is organic compost? Write its four benefits.
2. What is chemical fertilizer? Write its disadvantages.

Project Work

• Prepare a file showing advantages of organic fertilizer and
disadvantages of chemical fertilizers.

• Prepare a report visiting the farmers and asking them about the use of
fertilizers.

Occupation, Business and Technology Education # 7 117

Lesson

3

Farming of Earthworms

Teaching Learning Objectives
After the study of this lesson, students will be able:
• to produce compost by keeping earthworm.

Pre-reading Activity
All types of worms and insects are not harmful. Discuss.

Terms & Terminologies

earthworm : a common long thin worm that lives in soil
insect
: any small creature with six legs and a body divided into
worms three parts insects usually also have wings. Ants, bees
and flies are all insects.
throughout
tirelessly : long thin creatures that live in soil or inside the bodies
of humans or animals

: the whole time

: industriously, diligently

118 Occupation, Business and Technology Education # 7

A. Introduction
There are different types of insects and animals in the environment. Some

of them are the enemies of farmers and some of them are friends. One
of these organisms which are considered good friends of the farmers are
earthworm. Earthworms are slimy worms that work tirelessly throughout
their lives. Their habit of digging burrows into the soil makes them very
important for our ecosystem. They have no eyes or lungs, but sense
their way around with the light and touch sensory organs, and breathe
through their moist skin.

Earthworms are found in the field, in the animal dung, garden, etc.
Generally, they are found in the rainy season and after rainy season also.
They are found crawling on in large numbers. These are not harmful.
They are the friends of farmers and their plants. The earthworms eat
leaves, grass, straw, weeds and worm cast which is considered a high
quality compost. Earthworms feed on large amounts of soil containing
organic matter. Their feeding within the ground loosens the soil, making
it porous. This facilitates easy entry of water and air into the soil and thus
promotes plant growth. Their waste enriches and fertilizes the soil and
therefore makes plants more productive.

B. Elements Found in Earthworms’ Compost

Organic
elements

10-13%

Potash Elements found in Nitrogen
4.3-9% earthworms' compost 0.73-1%

or worm cast

Phosphorous
0.8-0.9%

Occupation, Business and Technology Education # 7 119

C. Methods of Earthworm Farming
Required Materials
Required materials are empty box, wooden box, soil pots, tray, flower vase

or any other, animal's dung, leaves, straw, grass, soil, and small earth worms.
Instructions to make compost from earthworms
• First, bring the pots that you need to keep earthworms.
• Bring the soil from the garden or field and take out the pebbles, bricks,

glasses from it.
• Put this soil at the bottom of the pot and make a layer of the soil.
• After that, put animal dung on the layer of the soil.
• Then, cut weeds, leaves, peels, green grass, into very small pieces

and then put these materials on the layer of the dung.
• Then put dung again and cover the dust and pieces of grass layer

with the dung.
• Now, put 100-200 small earthworms on the layer of the dung in the

pot per square meter.
• Now, cover the earth worms with the peels, weeds, grass, straw, etc.

making small pieces.
• The earth worms start eating these things themselves and pass the fecal.
• Maintain the humidity up to 50-60% in the box.
• To maintain humidity, irrigate the box daily and properly.
• The earthworms need 200-250 C temperature.
Look at the following box and keep the things for earthworm farming as shown:

Layer of grass, straw, weeds, peels

Layer of earthworms

Layer of dung

Layer of grass, straw, weeds, peels

Layer of dung

Layer of soil

120 Occupation, Business and Technology Education # 7

D. Use of Earthworm Compost
The compost prepared by earthworms is very useful and full of nutrients

required for the plants. We can use 220-250 kg compost in one Ropani of
land to maintain good productivity.
20-30 gram earthworm compost can be used in a flower vase or for one
vegetable plant.
The earthworms can be mixed in the food of the fish, pigs, chickens, etc.

Activity and Exercise

1. Why are earthworms called the friends of farmers? Discuss in the class
and write in the notebook.

2. Show the elements which are found in the compost of earthworms.
3. Describe the process of earthworm farming.

Project Work
• Show the process of earthworm farming on a chart paper.
• Prepare the compost from earthworm and show it to your class.
 

Occupation, Business and Technology Education # 7 121

Lesson

4

Compost and Chemical Fertilizers

Teaching Learning Objectives
After the study of this lesson, students will be able:
• to describe the different methods of making organic compost.

Pre-reading Activity
What are different sources of organic fertilizers? Discuss in the class.

Terms & Terminologies

pit : hole in the ground or trench

cattle : domestic animals, livestock

layer : a quantity or thickness of something that lies over a
surface or between surfaces, coating, sheet, deposit

aerobic : (biology) needing oxygen

anaerobic : (biology) not needing oxygen

decomposition : decay, disintegration, rotting

corner : bend, turning, curve

cowshed : a farm building in which cows are kept

A. Pit method of Making Compost

Trenches or pits about 1m. deep are dug; the breadth and length of the
trenches can vary according to the availability of land and the type of
material to be composted. The site of the compost pit should be at a level
high enough to prevent rainwater from entering in the monsoon season;
it should be near the cattle shed and a water source. A temporary shed
may be constructed over it to protect the compost from heavy rainfall.

122 Occupation, Business and Technology Education # 7

The pit should be about 1 m deep, 1.5-2m wide, and of a suitable length.
The trenches should have sloping walls and a floor with a 90-cm slope to
prevent water logging.

B. Filling the pit
Organic residues and night soil are put in alternate layers. After filling, the

pit is covered with a layer of refuse of 15-20 cm. The materials are allowed
to remain in the pit without turning and watering for three months. During
this period, the material settles owing to reduction in biomass volume.
Additional night soil and refuse are placed on top in alternate layers and
plastered or covered with mud or earth to prevent loss of moisture and
breeding of flies. After the initial aerobic composting (about eight to ten
days), the material undergoes anaerobic decomposition at a very slow rate.
It takes about six to eight months to obtain the finished product.

C. Preparing Compost in the Corner of the Field
Farmers prepare compost collecting

grass, weeds, straw, leaves, leftovers of
the crops, etc. at the appropriate corner
of the filed or near the cowshed. They
mix urine, dung, water, salt, etc. from
time to time and compost is ready.
This method of preparing compost is
practised in most villages of Nepal.

Activity and Exercise

1. Discuss and write the methods of preparing compost.
2. What are the advantages of organic compost? Discuss and write.

Project Work

Visit a farm house of a farmer and observe how he prepares organic compost
and discuss in the class.

Occupation, Business and Technology Education # 7 123

Lesson

5

Introduction to Drip Irrigation and Use

Teaching Learning Objectives

After the study of this lesson, students will be able:
• to describe the methods of drip irrigation and its advantages

Pre-reading Activity

Have you seen different methods of irrigation? Share your experience
in the class.

Terms & Terminologies

irrigation : watering, dampening
drip : (of liquid) to fall in small drops
popular : liked by many people
plants : vegetations
different : not the same , diverse
highlight : emphasize
famous : well-known, renowned

124 Occupation, Business and Technology Education # 7

A. Introduction to Drip Irrigation

All living beings need water. Plants also need water. Plants get natural
water from rain. Farmers irrigate their vegetables, fruits, flowers and crops.
There are different methods of irrigation. Now a days, drip irrigation is very
popular. It is a new and modern method of irrigation.

Importance of drip irrigation can be highlighted as follows:
• It is the modern method of irrigation.
• It saves water from waste.
• It can be done easily and anywhere.
• It irrigates all parts of the plant equally.
• All plants of the field can be irrigated with drip irrigation.
• A little water also can do much irrigation.
• Farmers can get better production and they can change their life.

Activity and Exercise

1. What is drip irrigation? Write its method and advantage.

Project Work
Visit a place where drip irrigation is being used and prepare a report.

Occupation, Business and Technology Education # 7 125

Lesson

6

Seasonal Cultivation in the Kitchen
Garden and Care

Teaching Learning Objectives
After the study of this lesson, students will be able:
• to describe the methods of preparing kitchen garden and its care.

Pre-reading Activity

What do your parents do to protect vegetables from harmful diseases
and insects? Share in the class.

Terms & Terminologies

protection : the act of protecting somebody/something; the state of
being protected i.e. guard, save, secure
disease
: an illness affecting humans, animals or plants, often
research caused by infection:

resistant : a careful study of a subject, especially in order to
discover new facts or information about it
destroy
manure : not affected by something; able to stand firm against
yield anything

: wipe out or demolish

: dung

: to produce

A. Introduction

Nepal is an agricultural country. So, most of the people depend on
agriculture. They produce crops, vegetables, fruits and flowers in their
land. All the farmers have kitchen garden near their house. They produce
different types of vegetables to fulfill their needs.

126 Occupation, Business and Technology Education # 7

A small plot nearby the house to cultivate vegetables is called kitchen
garden (Karesabari). Not only villages, in the city area also people
cultivate vegetables, fruits, and flowers in the kitchen garden. Those who
don’t have any land to cultivate try to cultivate on the roof in the vase.
So kitchen garden has very special importance in Nepal. People cultivate
different seasonal vegetables. They cultivate broccoli, cabbage, mustard,
chamsur, spinach, radish, salagam, onion, peas. In the rainy season, they
produce pumpkin, sponge gourd, bitter gourd, cucumber, chilli, etc.

B. Preparation of Kitchen Garden
While preparing kitchen garden, we have to consider the following things:

The land should be fertile, friable, loose, loamy, water absorbing with
adequate quantity of organic matter, free of big pieces of stones, broken
pieces of glass, plastic and other unnecessary things.

• We must identify the type of soil and its productivity.
• We must select the crops according to the available soil and its

productivity.
• We must know which crop is suitable in the garden.
• The land should be dug 15-20 cm to plant.
• The land should be well levelled.
• Compost or manure should be added to maintain productivity.
• Frequent and appropriate irrigation must be done for better production.

C. Care of Seedlings
Nothing grows and develops well if proper care is not given. The

seedlings of our crops should be cared for properly and regularly. The
following things should be done while caring for seedlings:

• The nursery must be adequately moist.
• Seedlings have to be planted at the depth of 1-2 cm in lines.
• The distance between lines of crops should be at least 8-10 cm or

according to the needs of crops.
• Appropriate heat, moisture should be maintained.
• The seedlings must be protected from heavy rainfall, scorching sun,

hailstorm and frost.
• Seedlings should be protected from different types of diseases.
• Seedlings must be cared for properly and protected from different

insects and pests.

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D. Care of Vegetables
The vegetables should be cared for properly. They must be irrigated from

time to time. The weeds, grasses should be removed from time to time. The
vegetables must be saved from excessive cold and heat. They must be protected
from different types of diseases. The farmers should consult the JT of agriculture
so that they can give proper care to vegetables and get better yield.

E. Methods of Storage of Vegetables
Vegetables are produced in their

seasons but they should be kept
for a long time for daily use as well
as to sell in the market. Vegetables
can be stored safely for the future
by adopting different methods.
They are:

By using chemicals: We can keep
produced vegetables for a long time by using different chemicals such as
fungicide, anti-transparent, atheling, preservatives, etc.

By drying: Some of the vegetables can be stored for a long time by drying
them in the sun such as mustard leaves, cauliflower, cabbage, chilly, and
making masuara.

By packaging in the box: We can keep vegetables by keeping them in the
air tight box such as peas, beans, soyabeans, etc.

By keeping in cold store: Some vegetables can be stored for a long time
by keeping them in the cool place below 00 Celcious such as potato, pea,
carrot, radish, etc.

Activity and Exercise

1. What is the importance of kitchen garden? Discuss and write.
2. How to prepare a kitchen garden? Write its method.
3. How should we care for the seedlings of the kitchen garden? Discuss and

write.
4. What are the methods of storage of vegetables?

Project Work

Visit the market place and collect some of the vegetables which are stored for
the future. Show them to your classmates.

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Lesson

7

Protection of Vegetables from Harmful
Diseases and Insects

Teaching Learning Objectives
After the study of this lesson, students will be able:
• to describe the methods of protection of vegetables from harmful diseases and

insects

Pre-reading Activity
How can we protect vegetables from diseases and insects? Discuss.

Terms & Terminologies

climate : the regular pattern of weather condition of a particular
place
harmful
biodiversity : causes damage or injury
resistant : different kids of animals and plants
weeds : not affected
: a wild plant growing where it is not wanted

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A. Introduction
Nepal has different climates. It is made up of mountain, hills and Terai.

In different climates, there grow different types of vegetables, crops,
fruits, flowers, etc. In this way, Nepal is really rich in biodiversity. The
farmers of Nepal cultivate different types of vegetables. Sometimes they
face problems from different diseases and insects. So, here we are going
to discuss different methods to protect vegetables from different harmful
diseases and insects.

B. Methods of Protection
Vegetables can be saved by keeping the field clean and destroying the

weeds and plants that give shelter to diseases and insects. Some insects
and diseases take shelter in those weeds and plants. We can protect the
vegetables by destroying diseased plants and their parts. For this we
have to find out the diseased parts and plants. Digging and ploughing
the fields properly helps to destroy the diseases. Sometimes we can
leave the land without plantation after digging or ploughing. It helps
to maintain the productivity of the soil. Disease occurs because of virus
and bacteria. If we kill virus and bacteria of the seeds and plants, we
can protect the vegetables. For this we have to use clean and disease
free seeds. Sometimes by changing the time of plantation also we can
conserve vegetables from the diseases because some diseases occur
only in a particular time or season. Now a days, Agriculture Research
Centre has developed disease resistant seeds of vegetables. If we disease
resistant seeds the disease can’t attack the vegetables. Cabbage, tomatoes
and broccoli are some examples of disease resistant. By using chemicals,
we can protect vegetables from the diseases and insects.
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C. Methods of protection of vegetables from harmful diseases and
insects.

Methods of protection of vegetables
from harmful diseases and insects.

By ploughing the field and by keeping it fallow for some time
Following the rotation method of cultivation
By destroying shelter plants of diseases and insects
By destroying the diseased plants and their parts
By using disease free seeds of vegetables, crops
By planting only healthy seedlings
By changing the time of plantation
By using chemicals to protect and to destroy the diseases
By planting disease resistant types of vegetables
By getting knowledge about different types of diseases and insects

Activity and Exercise

1. What are the methods of protection of vegetables from insects and
diseases? Discuss and write.

Project Work
• Prepare a file on the protection of vegetables from different diseases

and insects.
• Visit a nearby village or vegetable farm and prepare a report about the

diseases and insects which are causing problem to the farmers while
growing vegetables.

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Points to Remember

Lesson-1 Introduction to Seasonal and Off-Seasonal Vegetable Farming
 Vegetables are very important food item of our daily life.
 Vegetables are the sources of vitamins and minerals which protect

our body from diseases.
 There are seasonal and off-seasonal vegetables.
 Off-seasonal vegetables are those which are grown out of regular

time of their production.
 The farmers can get a good income from both seasonal and off-

seasonal vegetables.

Lesson-2 Compost and Chemical Fertilizers
 Like human beings, plants and vegetables also need minerals,

water, vitamins, compost, etc to grow well.
 Organic compost is good for plants, soil and human health.
 Chemical fertilizers are not good for plants, soil and human health.
 Organic fertilizers are made from organic things such as plants,

leaves, grass, animal’s dung and urine.
 Chemical fertilizers are made from chemicals.

Lesson-3 Farming of Earthworms
 Earthworms are the friends of farmers.
 They help farmers by producing organic fertilizer.
 Earthworms make soil loose to be productive.

Lesson-4 Methods of Preparing Organic Compost
 Organic compost is considered very useful for farming.
 It has no any side effect like chemical fertilizers have.
 Most of the organic compost is prepared in village area by farmers.
 Organic compost is prepared by depositing and decaying organic

matters such as grass, leaves, dung, leftovers of daily food stuff, etc.

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Lesson-5 Introduction to Drip Irrigation and Use
 Drip irrigation is modern method.
 It helps to irrigate all the plants equally.
 It protects water from being wasted.

Lesson-6 Seasonal Cultivation in the Kitchen Garden and Care
 Kitchen garden refers to a small piece of land near the house where

vegetables are cultivated for daily use.
 For commercial purpose, vegetable farm is made for large scale

production.
 Kitchen garden helps to grow vegetables for daily use.
 The kitchen garden should be cared properly and the soil should be

fertile and loamy.
 Proper irrigation and care can give a good production from the

kitchen garden.
 The produced vegetables can be conserved by using chemicals,

drying, packing in the box for the future.

Lesson-7 Protection of Vegetables from Harmful Diseases and Insects
 Different diseases and insects attack vegetables in different times.
 Vegetables can be protected by ploughing, keeping the garden

clean, keeping fallow, rotation method, destroying shelter of enemy
insect, using disease free seeds, planting healthy seedlings, using
chemicals, planting disease resistant vegetables, getting knowledge,
etc.

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Unit

8

Cultivation of Fruits

This Unit Contains: Estimated Teaching Periods : 20

1. Nursery of the Fruits 135
2. Identification of Local and Advanced Types of Fruits 139
3. Method of Harvesting Fruits and Its Time 142
4. Method of Preservation of Fruits 144
5. Methods of Harvesting Fruits and Tools for Them 146
6. Traditional Methods of Storing Fruits 148
7. Methods of Packing and Transportation of Fruits 151
8. Identification of Diseases and Insects of Fruits and Traditional
153
Methods of Prevention

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Lesson

1

Nursery of the Fruits

Teaching Learning Objectives
After the study of this lesson, students will be able:
• to describe the methods of preparing nursery of fruits.

Pre-reading Activity
What types of fruits do you grow at your home? Discuss.

Terms & Terminologies

nursery : a place where young plants and trees are grown for
seedlings sale or for planting somewhere else
transplantation
nutrient : a young plant that has grown from a seed i.e.
fence saplings

loamy : relocation, resettlement

: a substance that is needed to keep a living thing
alive and to help it to grow

: a structure made of wood or wire supported with
posts that is put between two areas of land as a
boundary, or around a garden/yard, field, etc. to
keep animals in, or to keep people and animals out

: good quality soil containing sand, clay and decayed
vegetable matters

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A. Introduction
Fruits are essential food items for our health. They are health protecting

food. Fruit seedlings can be grown in the nursery. Fruit nurseries are
becoming popular. In the past, people used to cultivate fruits in the
traditional way. But now, they are growing seedlings in nursery and
getting more benefits from their production. A nursery is a place where
seedlings of fruits are carefully grown and nurtured to cultivate further
in the garden or field.
The following things should be considered while preparing fruit nursery.

B. Selection of Soil
We must select appropriate soil because all fruits are not grown in the

same soil. The soil must be selected according to fruits. Generally, loamy
soil is appropriate for fruit cultivation. There should not be pebbles,
broken pieces of glass, brick, and iron rods. These should be taken out
from the soil. We can use 20-30 percent sand in the clay soil to make it
loose. While keeping the soil in the pot, it should not be pressed much.
All the necessary nutrients should be mixed in the soil.

C. Fruit Bed and Preparation of Seedlings
• The site for fruit bed should be free from shade and excessive cold.
• It should get enough light from the sun.
• The soil should be free from pebbles, bricks, pieces of glass and

iron.
• The soil should contain nutrients.
• Healthy and good seeds and plants should be selected to cultivate

in the nursery.
• After sowing seeds, it should not be pressed hard or trampled on.
• There should be arrangement of irrigation with Hajari or sprinklers.
• There should be passage to move between beds of fruits.

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D. Use of Manure
Fruits need necessary quantity of nutrients. Manures are the nutrients

of fruits or plants. The fruits should be given appropriate manure from
time to time. While giving manure, we must have knowledge about its
kinds, quantity, and method of use. While using manure, appropriate
precaution should be taken. The manure should not enter our eyes and
mouth. Gloves should be used while using manure. After using manure,
hands, legs and face should be washed properly with soap.

E. Transplanting Seedlings of Fruits
During the time of transplanting seedlings, the beds should be irrigated

before 12 hours so that they can be uprooted easily. The seedlings should
not be dried, rotten and diseased. The soil should be properly prepared
for seedlings. Manure should be mixed in the soil in appropriate quantity.
After transplantation of seedlings, they should be irrigated properly with
the Hajari or sprinklers.

F. Care of Fruit Plants
After transplantation of seedlings, they should be looked after carefully.

In the absence of proper care, fruit plants can’t grow properly and die.
The plants should be protected from excessive heat, cold, frost, and rain.
They should be protected from different types of diseases, insects, moths,
birds and animals. They should be properly fenced to protect from the
reach of animals. They should be given appropriate manure and water
from time to time. Weeds and other unnecessary creepers should not
grow in the nursery. Careful trimming and proper cleanliness should be
managed.

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G. Importance of Fruit Nursery
• Fruit nursery has become a good source of income.
• Advanced types of fruits can be cultivated in the nursery.
• Farmers and other people can get advanced seedlings from the

nursery.
• Farmers can get good production from good seedlings.
• It helps to attract tourists and to generate income.
• Fruit nursery helps to develop different kinds of fruits.

Activity and Exercise

1. What are the importance of fruit nursery?
2. How do we select the soil for the nursery
3. What are the methods of preparing fruit bed and seedlings?

Project Work
Visit a fruit nursery and observe it. Ask the gardener about the preparation
of fruit nursery and compile a report.

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Lesson

2

Identification of Local and Advanced
Types of Fruits

Teaching Learning Objectives
After the study of this lesson, students will be able:
• to identify local and advanced types of fruits.

Pre-reading Activity
What kinds of fruits are found in your locality? Discuss.

Terms & Terminologies

identification : the process of showing, proving or recognizing who
or what somebody/something is

advanced : highly developed

protecting food : a food that protects body from disease

topography : the physical features of an area of land, especially
the position of its rivers, mountains, etc.; the study of
these features

hybrid : an animal or plant that has parents of different species
or varieties:

A mule is a hybrid of a male donkey and a female
horse.

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A. Introduction
Fruits are protecting food of our health. Fruits provide us different types

of vitamins which help to fight against different diseases. Nepal is very
rich in fruit cultivation because it has different types of topography and
climate. From mountain to terai, people grow different types of fruits.
Some of the commonly cultivated fruits are banana, apple, papaya,
mango, orange, jackfruit, pineapples, lichi, lemon, bear, guava, amala,
peach, etc. People make different types of juice and wine from fruits. So
many people have job opportunities in cultivation of fruits. People get
job of making juice and wine. They get job in selling and buying fruits as
well as in transportation.

B. Identification of Local Fruits
Local fruits are those fruits which are found in a particular area. These

fruits are grown in local climate and used by the local people. Local fruits
don’t need too much care to cultivate them. They have their own shape
and colour and taste. Some local fruits are banana, pear, mango, jackfruit,
orange, apple, lemon, etc.
C. Identifications of Advanced Fruits
Now a days, the farmers are growing advanced types of fruits for more
benefit. The local fruits have been changed into advanced and developed
fruits through hybrid. These fruits give more production than the locally
produced fruits. Some of the names of the advanced fruits are given in
the table:
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S.N. Name of the Fruits Their Advanced Names

1 Banana Rasthali, Gross, Pubhan, Robasta, Basarai

2. Apple Golden Delicious, Red Delicious,
3 Jackfruit Mayakintos Jonathan, Pipin, Redjune,
Anna, etc.

Queen Que, Mackgregar

4 Guava Allahabad White, Lucknow 49, Bedana,
Chhittidar, etc.

5. Mango Krishana Bhog, Jarda, Dasahari, Langada,
Bombay, Green, Maldha, Sibhiya, Amrapali,
Mallika, Sridhan

6. Lichi Majjafarpur, Rosesendent, Seedless

Activity and Exercise

1. What are local fruits? Write their features.
2. What type of local fruits are found in your locality? Write their names

and importance.

Project Work
Prepare a file collecting different types of fruits which are cultivated and
found in your locality, their different varieties, their production time and
their importance.

Occupation, Business and Technology Education # 7 141

Lesson

3

Method of Harvesting Fruits and Its
Time

Teaching Learning Objectives
After the study of this lesson, students will be able:
• to describe the methods of harvesting fruits.

Pre-reading Activity
How do the people of your locality harvest fruits? Discuss.

Terms & Terminologies

method : technique, way, system
harvesting
: the time of year when the crops are gathered in on a
precaution farm, etc.; the act of cutting and gathering crops and
fruits
ripen
stub : something that is done in advance in order to prevent
problems or to avoid danger:

: to become ripe; to make something ripe

: remaining part of something after use

A. Introduction

Fruits are eaten after they are ripen
properly. They are sold in the market
when they are ripe. The ripe fruits are
tasty and healthy. There are different
times of fruit harvesting. Some fruits
are harvested when they are ripen
fully in the plant. Some fruits are
harvested before they are fully ripe.

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B. Features of Ripe Fruits
The following methods are applied to check if the fruits are ripe.

Soft: Some fruits become soft when they are ripe.

For example, peach, plum, avocado, etc. Some fruits are hard when they
are not ripe and raw.

i. Change of Colour:

Some fruits change colour when they are ripe. Mangoes change into
yellow colour. Guavas change colour when they are ripe. When the
fruits are ripe, they become yellow, green, red. Kafal becomes red
from green.

ii. By Taste:

Some fruits are tasted before they are harvested. The ripe fruits are
tasty and sweet. White grapes, plum, mango, apple, etc. are eaten
before they are harvested.

iii. Smell:

Some fruits give sweet smell when they are ripe like jackfruit,
mayakintos apple, etc.

iv. Precautions while Harvesting Fruits

While harvesting any fruit, we should not hit them with stick. They
should not fall from the plant. We must harvest them with great
care. We must pluck them from stub. We must carry a bag with us.
We can use a ladder for tall and difficult fruit trees.

Activity and Exercise

1. What is meant by harvesting of fruits? Discuss and write.
2. How do we know if the fruits are ripe or not? Discuss and write.

Project Work

• Prepare a file showing the methods of harvesting different types of
fruits.

• Make a file showing the harvesting time of different fruits which are
found in your locality.

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Lesson

4

Method of Preservation of Fruits

Teaching Learning Objectives
After the study of this lesson, students will be able:
• to describe the methods of fruit preservation.

Pre-reading Activity
How can we keep ripe fruits for future? Discuss.

Terms & Terminologies

preservation : the act of keeping something in its original state or in
good condition

cold store : a room where food, fruits, meat etc. can be kept at a low
temperature in order to keep it in good condition

pickle : a vegetable that has been preserved in vinegar or salt
water and has a strong flavour, served cold with meat,
salads, etc

huge : vast, enormous

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A. Introduction
We eat fruits that have ripened well.

Fruits ripen at a time. All the ripe fruits
can’t be eaten at a time. The excess fruits
should be preserved for the future. The
preserved fruits can be sold in the market
during the off season. In the off season,
the fruits can be sold at a high price.

B. Methods of Preservation
Fruits can be preserved in the following ways:

i. Storing in a Cold Store: We can preserve fruits keeping them in a
cold store. The fruits must be selected properly. We should not keep
rotten fruits in the cold store. There are huge cold stores in cities for
the preservation of fruits.

ii. Keeping in an Air Tight Box: Fruits can be kept in air tight pots or
boxes for preservation. They should be cleaned properly, peeled,
cut and blanched for packing. They are stored either in the cold or
dry and warm place for future.

iii. By Drying: Fruits can be preserved for the future by making them
dry. The ripe fruits are cut into thin slices and dried in the sun.
Apple and pear can be preserved by making them dry properly in
the sun or in a drier.

iv. By Making Juice, Jelly, or Jam: Fruits can be used in the off season
by making their juice, jam or jelly. People make wine from some
fruits.

v. By Making Pickle: Fruits can be preserved for the off season by making
their pickle. The pickles of fruits are tasty and costly also. Most of the
fruits can be made into pickles and preserved for the future.

Activity and Exercise

1. What do you mean by the preservation of fruits? Discuss and write.

2. Describe the methods of fruit preservation.

Project Work

Collect different preserved fruits and show them to your class.

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Lesson

5

Methods of Harvesting Fruits and Tools
for Them

Teaching Learning Objectives
After the study of this lesson, students will be able:
• to introduce the methods of harvesting fruits and the tools used.

Pre-reading Activity
What kinds of tools do the farmers use to harvest fruits? Discuss.

Terms & Terminologies

tool : instrument, device
net
: a type of material that is made of string, thread or wire
basket twisted or tied together, with small spaces in between
branch
hook : storage bin, container

: bough, twig

: a curved piece of metal, plastic or wire for hanging
things on, catching fish with, etc.

146 Occupation, Business and Technology Education # 7

A. Introduction
Fruits are harvested when they are ready to eat. The ripe fruits should be

harvested properly and carefully.

B. Methods
The following methods can be applied to harvest fruits:
i. Using net: The net can be put under the tree. It should be fixed onto

the tree. When we shake the branch of the fruit tree, the fruits fall
and are collected in the net.
ii. By using bamboo basket (Dokos): On tall tree of fruits, a doko can
be hanged on the branches and fruits can be kept in it from the near
by branches.
iii. By carrying a bag: While harvesting fruits, we can carry a bag on
our back and we can keep fruits in it.
iv. By using a ladder: We can harvest fruits by using a ladder. We can
make a ladder of bamboo, wood, aluminium, iron, etc.
v. By using hook: We can use hooks to harvest fruits. We use the hook
to pull the branches of the fruits. It helps to bring the branch closer.

vi. By using sickle, khurpi (a small sickle), iron scissors: We can
harvest fruits by using sickle, scissors to cut the hard stub of the fruits
like jackfruit, pineapple, etc.

Activity and Exercise

1. Describe the methods of harvesting fruits and the tools used.
2. What precautions should be taken while harvesting fruits? Discuss and write.

Project Work
Prepare a file describing the practical methods of harvesting fruits which are
found in your locality.

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Lesson

6

Traditional Methods of Storing Fruits

Teaching Learning Objectives
After the study of this lesson, students will be able:
• to describe the traditonal methods of stroing fruits which are available in their

locality.

Pre-reading Activity
How do your parents store fruits for the future?Discuss.

Terms & Terminologies

tradittonal : following older methods and ideas rather than modern
sack or different ones
pit method
straw : rucksack, bag

pebble : the way of keeping something in the pit
adopt
: stems of wheat or other grain plants that have been cut
and dried. Straw is used for making mats, hats, etc., for
packing things to protect them, and as food for animals
or for them to sleep on

: a smooth, round stone that is found in or near water

:accept, assume, take on

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A. Introduction

There are different methods of storing fruits for the future. Mainly there
are two methods: modern method and traditional method. In modern
method, there are huge cold stores in which fruits can be kept for a long
time. Local methods are called traditional methods. With the help of
storage, we can sell fruits over a long period of time when their season
is off. After the season, fruits can be eaten and used. Some local methods
are described below:

B. Local Methods

i. By Keeping in Sack or Thunse

In this method, ripe fruits are kept in a sack or thunse to store for the
future. For this, sand is kept in the sack or in the thunse and fruits
are kept in sand. Adopting this method, the fruits can be preserved
for some days and weeks.

ii. Pit Method

In this method, required pit is made. A layer of sand is kept. After
that, well ripe fruits are kept in the pit and covered with sand. In
this method, orange, mausami, apple can be kept for a long time.
The farmers of Gorkha, Lamjung, Tanahu, Parbat are using this
method to store fruits.

iii. By Using Straw, Wood, Stone and Soil

Fruits are kept under the ground in the straw or dust of wood and
covered with soil, sand to preserve them.

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C. Importance of Local Methods
The following points can highlight the importance of local methods of

storing fruits:
• They help to preserve fruits for a long time.
• Local methods are easy to adopt.
• Local methods are very cheap.
• Local methods preserve the natural quality of the fruits.
• Local methods do not have any side effects after use.
• Local methods can be applied by using local materials.
• These methods can be used by all at a low cost according to one's

own needs.
• Farmers can store fruits for a long time using local storage methods.
• Fruits can be used in the off season.
• Farmers can earn more money by selling them in the off season.
• It helps to supply and to fulfill the demand of off season.

] Activity and Exercise

1. What do you mean by the local methods of storing fruits?
2. Describe the importance of local methods of storing fruits.
3. What are the local methods of storing fruits?

Project Work
Prepare a file describing the methods of storage of fruits in your locality.

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