(a) Draw a sketch map of Nigeria and on it locate and name: (i) the Niger-Benue trough (ii) the rivers Niger and Benue (iii) one confluence town (iv) Bacita and Numan (b) Describe the commercial production of sugarcane in the Niger-Benue Trough under the following headings: (i) method of cultivation (ii) method of harvesting (iii) economic importance
Explanation
(b) Commercial production of sugarcane under (i) Method of Cultivation: Land preparation is done and small stalks of sugarcane planted. Planting is done around mid-November-April. Water from Niger and Benue are used for irrigation (ii) Method of Harvesting: Cane stalks are cut few centimetres above the ground. The leaves are later removed. The canes can be cut by machines or cutlasses after which they are carried to market or factory (iii) Economic Importance: (i) As raw materials for sugar industries (ii) Yields revenue to farmers (iii) Sugarcane is a food item (iv) It an serve as fodder or cattle
