ABSTRACT

The Student Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) Programme prepares students for labour markets. The programme
is strategically put in place for students of Nigerian higher institutions who are scientifically and technologically
oriented in the various areas of specification. Obtaining practical knowledge involves developing skills through the
use of tools and equipment to perform tasks that related to the field of study. The aims of SIWES include to
provide an avenue for students in institutions of higher learning to acquire industrial skills and experience in their
respective courses of study as well as prepare students for industrial work situation they are likely to experience
after graduation.
My Industrial Training was done at School-To- Land Authority, Ministry of Agriculture, Yenegoa, Bayelsa state. It
lasted for a period of six (6) months, from November 2021 to April 2022. With the help of the scheme, I was
exposed to Rice Cultivation practices, Mechanized farming and wide-spread knowledge on Rice Crop

TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Cover Page

II Dedication

III Acknowledgement

Iv Abstract

V Table of Contents

CHAPTER ONE
1.1 Introduction to SIWES
1.2 The aims of SIWES
1.3 The importance of SIWES

CHAPTER TWO
2.1 Brief history of Bayelsa state School- To- Land Authority

CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Orientation
3.1 Rice
3.2 Varieties of Rice
3.3 Production
3.4 Nursery Method and Direct Seeding method
3.5 Importance of Rice
CHAPTER FOUR
4.1 Lowland Rice, Constraints
4.2 Land Preparation,
4.3 Seed, Seeding, Transplanting
4.4 Water and Fertilizer Management
4.5 Pest, Weed and Disease Management

CHAPTER FIVE
5.1 Conclusion
5.2 Experience gained
5.3 Problems encountered
5.4 Recommendation
INTRODUCTION OF SIWES
The Student Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) Programme prepares
students for labour markets. It has become an innovative phenomenon
in human resource development and training in Nigeria. It was
established by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in 1973 to solve the
problem of lack of adequate practical skills preparatory for employment
in industries by Nigerian graduates of tertiary institutions. This
programme is strategically put in place for mature students of Nigerian
higher institutions who are scientifically and technologically oriented in
the various areas of specification.
Participation in SIWES has been made one of the pre-conditions for the
award of diploma and degree certificates in specific disciplines in most
institutions of higher learning in the country in accordance with the
education policy of the Nigeria government.

1.2 THE AIMS OF SIWES

To provide an avenue for students in institutions of higher learning to
acquire industrial skills and experience in their respective courses of
study
To prepare students for industrial work situation they are likely to
experience after graduation
To expose students to work methods and techniques of handling
equipment and machinery that may not be available in the institutions
To make the transition from school to the world of work easier and
enhance students’ contacts for later job placement
To provide students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge in
real work situation

IMPORTANCE OF SIWES

It enables the students gain experience with skills, such as leadership

and communication
It provides the students with information about all aspects of business
It assists the students in career selection and give opportunity to
students for self-employment
It gives a practical basis for future entrepreneurship and encourage
students to be more interested in business
It helps the students to develops the analytic and evaluating skills when
it comes to making business-related decisions.

HISTORY OF SCHOOL- TO- LAND IMIRINGI, BAYELSA STATE

The establishment was founded long before the separation of Bayelsa
from Old Rivers State,
The initial idea was to mobilize secondary school leavers into a "viable
land army",
However,as the importance of the agricultural sector heightened and
the need for a parastatal to train University students of Agriculture
rose,the school-to- land administration sufficed and therefore began
official Industrial training for Agricultural students.
Other trainees in the establishment includes, Youth Corpers assigned by
NYSC and other farmers.
The establishment is more versed in the area of Rice Production,
however there are also other sectors, such as The fishery aspect,An
animal farm that spreads from a poultry farm to a piggery unit, and
lastly,The vegetable seed programme.
But the major activity of the establishment and My area of training was
In Crop Production, I.e Rice.

ORIENTATION
The introduction and orientation classes are the first round of activities
that was carried out,The training method of this establishment is as the
name goes, From School to land, so before visitation of the field, classes
are carried out, and orientation of the Rice production practice.
Portions of lands are designated, Supervisors are assigned and facilities
are also allocated to the trainees.
RICE
Rice is a cereal grain crop which is consumed by half of the world
population as staple food,It contains Fibre,vitamins, mineral and
carbohydrates (starch) ,it can be processed to flour, breakfast cereals,
noodles and alcoholic beverages in some parts of the world.
Rice can be grown all over the world but some regions have the
ecological advantage of growing better rice species than others

VARIETIES
There are over 76,000 rice varieties recorded by the International Rice
Research Institute (IRRI)
The common varieties of rice in Africa according to their geographical
features is Upland and Lowland Rice, deep water and mangrove swamp
rice.
Other classifications of rice varieties includes,
-Colour : Brown,white
-Size : Long grain, medium grain,short grain,sweet, aromatic,arborio.

PRODUCTION

LAND : Proper land selection is very important as the quality of land will
directly affect the yield. A levelled land is most advisable but in case of
sloppy land, there are special precautions that must be applied.

SOIL : Rice can be grown practically on all types of soil.

Sandy,loamy to heavy clays,heavy soils have higher water holding
capacity and are best suited than lighter soils.
A heavy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5-7.0 is suitable.
Also soil with high clay content of 40% to 60%, a moderate amount of
organic matter with high degree of humification and moderate drainage
to minimize water loss, will lead to higher yields.

SEED - The use of healthy and quality seeds that are disease resistant
will result in higher yields.

IMPORTANCE

-Rice is an important staple crop for more than half of humanity.

- Processed food such as popped and puffed rice, Rice flakes, Canned
Rice and fermented products.

- Rice straw is used as Cattle feed ,for thatching roofs and in cottage
industries for production of mats, ropes,straw board and it can also be
used as litter material.

- Rise husk is used as animal feed,for paper making and as fuel source,

- Rice bran oil is used in soap industry .

METHOD

Rice can be planted by direct seeding method, or transplanting method,

The DIRECT SEEDING involves direct sowing of the seeds into the either
wet or dry soil.
It can be done by either dibbling, broadcasting or drilling method.

Seeding rate of 50-60kg/hectares is Advisable for dibble sowing.

80kg /hectares for sowing by drilling and
80-100 kg/hectares for sowing by broadcasting

The seed are planted at a depth of 2-4cm, if deeper than 5cm, it may
lead to delayed emergence.
For dibble method,the spacing is usually 25cm between rows and 20cm
intra rows.
For drilling method, the spacing is 15-20cm between rows.

TRANSPLANTING
During my training, we carried out the Transplanting method,this
involves planting seedlings in a prepared Nursery farm and transferring
to the rice field after a certain stage of germination.

The seedlings are carefully uprooted after 21 days or at 2-6 leaf stage
from the Nursery to the Permanent Rice field,.
Spacing is usually 20cm between rows and 15-20cm intra rows.

LOWLAND RICE
This variety of rice accounts for 50% of the total rice produced in
Nigeria, examples of it's high yielding varieties are FARO 44 (SIP) , FARO
51 (CISADANE) ,FARO 52 (WITA 4) ,FARO 57 (4004 3-1-2-1)

CONSTRAINTS.
BIOTIC. ABIOTIC
Weeds. Flooding/ Drought
Insect pests(stemborers. Low soil fertility( Nitrogen
,African rice gall midge). Deficiency)
Diseases ( sheathrot,smut,Rice yellow. Soil salinity
Muttle virus RYMV). Soil alkalinity
Nematodes. Problems In mitigated lowland
Vertebrate pests. Iron toxicity
Birds, Rodents

LAND PREPARATION,
To minimize competition with weeds, enhance adequate mixture of
stubbles and fertilizer as well as ensure uniform water distribution, land
preparation is very necessary before sowing.
This involves
-Clearing
- harrowing/ ploughing
- levelling
- pre- irrigation
During this period, my day to day activities was assisting the tractor
drivers to participate in this processes of land preparation.
The Variety of rice that was cultivated is FARO 44 (SIP 1692033) ( Since
1992)
Ecology- Shallow swamp,115 days to maturity,95cm Height,Yield range
of about 4.0-6.0, Long Grained,Amy lose content 26.0,
Resistant to blast.
SEED
Seed treatments protect crops from seed borne diseases and pests and
also produces better yield.
Chemical treatment is carried out with a mixture of insecticide and
fungicide,
10g sachet of Apron Star 50DS - 4kg Seed
10g of Seed plus of Dressforce - 2kg Seed

SEED PRIMING
This involves soaking seeds in water for 12-24-48 hours and draining
afterwards.
Seed is also air-dried for about two hours before sowing.
SOWING
Direct Seeding method can be applied but the most advisable practice
especially for lowland Rice is Transplanting.

WATER MANAGEMENT
Water has a dual function of meeting physiological demands of the Rice
crop as well as controlling weeds. Rice requires an annual rainfall of
1200-1600mm that is evenly distributed during growing season, it
maximizes the efficiency of fertilizers and herbicides.
Herbicides are applied in completely drained fields,
Fertilizers require reduction of water levels to 3cm for about 4-5 days
before application.
Bunds are constructed around the Rice fields to conserve water and
check erosion.

FERTILIZER & NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT

Integrated Nutrient Management is the management of both organic/
inorganic plant Nutrient for optimal Rice production.

This includes
-Application of plant Nutrient on basis of soil tests recommendation
- Use of Organic Manures, Crop residues, green Manures , bio fertilizers
and soil amendments.
- Proper time and method of application
- Proper water management

Types of Fertilizers include,

Straight Fertilizers - Nitrogen (urea, ammonium sulphade )
phosphate, potassium.
Compound Fertilizers - Ammonium phosphate nitrate (APN)
Npk 15-15-15 (N-15% , P2O5 - 15%, K2O - 15%)
Methods of application are by drilling or broadcasting ,
For lowland Rice, it is effective to use split application of N fertilizer in
three equal doses, 40% at time of planting, 30% Top dressed and other
30% at 4 weeks after planting ( panicle stage).

Full amount of phosphate is applied during land preparation.

PEST AND WEED CONTROL

Physical method of weed control includes
Handweeding -
Carried out 14-20 days of transplanting and after 30-40 days of
transplanting.

Chemical Method
-Pre -emergence, 3L/hectare of Gramoxone Is applied alongside 4-5
Litres of Oxidaxone (1-3 after planting)
Post emergence ,
-Propanil + Bentazon at 3.0kg a-i /ha (5 litres Basagram 500PL/ha)
- Propanil + Fluorodifen at 3.0 kg a-i /ha (5 litres Risane 3000 ECha—¹)
- Propanil + thiobencarb at 3.0 kg a-i/ha (5 litres Tamarice 336 ECha—¹)
14 - 21 days after planting.
- Propanil + 2.40 Amine at 3.0kg a-i/ha

Eg of Pests,
STRIGA
A parasite which germinates only when the rice plants (host) which it
attacks is present,common in soil that have been used continuously and
are poor in nutrients.
Symptoms- Stunted growth, wilting, yellowing and scathing of
leaves,low yield and eventually plant death.
Control- Use of Striga Free seeds, proper clearing of farm tools, crop
rotation especially with soybean and groundnut,proper fertilization.

PEST MANAGEMENT
IPM (Integrated Pest Management) is the integration of available pest
control tactics to keep pests below economic threshold levels with the
aim of least or no hazard to the environment.
Methods include,
Cultural/ Mechanical -
- Use of healthy seeds, disease resistant/tolerant varieties, early sowing
date.
-Cultural practices like Crop rotation, inter cropping, trap cropping,
border cropping,
-Crop sanitation, efficient water / fertilizer management, Removal of
affected plant parts,
- Use of traps/ poison baits, Scarecrows

Termites
Destruction of dead woods and plant residues by burning them,
Mounds are searched for and also burnt to destroy. Application of
Chloropyriphos or Carbofuran 3G treatment.

Rice Bugs-
(Symptoms- Suck sap of plant after flowering)
Application of Deltamethrin EC at 1L/ ha in 500L of water

African Rice Gall Midge-

Application of Furadan TM ( CarboFuran) at 1kg/ ha 20-30 days after
Transplanting.

Rodents
- 2-3 Metres border round the field free from grass,weed and burnt
trash, construction of bamboo or palm frond fence round the field
Immediately after planting,
-placement of traps.

Birds
- Use of Scarecrows, Human presence to chase birds

DISEASE MANAGEMENT
IDM ( Integrated Disease Management) is the managing of plant
disease severity below the economic threshold level following cost-
effective, viable and easy operational procedure.
- Use of resistant/tolerant varieties
- Use of healthy seeds
- Destruction of alternative host plants
-Selection of suitable land
- Seed/ Seedling treatment
- proper land preparation, timely planting, appropriate population, crop
rotation, destruction of diseased plants etc

E.g of Diseases
- Bacterial leaf blight ( Xanthomonas Campestris pv. Oryzae)
- Rice Blast ( Pyricularia grisea Magnaporthe grisea (fungus)
- Bacterial Leaf streak ( Xanthomonas oryzae)
-Brown leaf spot (Helminthosporium oryzae)

HARVESTING
When the grains are hard and are turning yellow/brown (after about
30-45 days after flowering, they are ready for harvesting.
Rice stem is harvested with sickle at about 15-20cm above the ground
to enable hand threshing,
Panicles are then tied up, and dried before threshing.

THRESHING
Threshing separates the paddy from the straws, it is carried out using
whacking frames or mechanical devices, also can be done by foot
trampling on rice ears till it is separated from the paddy.
If not carefully carried out, may lead to Grain breakage.

Then Winnowing, which involves separating the chaff and other

contaminants from the rice.
Finally, proper drying before storage.

CONCLUSION
The training was well-rounded, a first hand experience of work system
in the real world especially for Agricultural students and Crop
production field in entirety.
SIWES is a very important programme, A lot of students including
myself has and will keep benefiting from the programme, therefore it is
highly encouraged.

EXPERIENCE
I gained the Reported Knowledge during the training, The training
provided a deep insight into the Cultivation of Rice that will enable me
to venture into the field someday. The work experience was also deeply
insightful.

PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED
- Due to Government affiliation of the establishment,there was
inadequate funding, Trainers and Workers experienced some damages
and losses as a result of lack of equipments especially for Pest Control.

- There was provision of little or no stipends for Industrial Training

Students.

RECOMMENDATION
- Proper supervision to ensure that students receive required
knowledge about the practices.
- The Government and Agriculture Ministries should enable adequate
funding in their various establishment and sectors.