Neco Model Questions Vol1 2025 Agricultural Science Question 37

A farmer can acquire ploughs of three types:\n\n- Wooden plough: purchase price \(\text{₦}12{,}000\), daily operating cost \(\text{₦}500\), tillage rate \(0.8\) ha\,day\(^{-1}\).\n- Iron plough: purchase price \(\text{₦}18{,}000\), daily operating cost \(\text{₦}400\), tillage rate \(1.2\) ha\,day\(^{-1}\).\n- Steel plough: purchase price \(\text{₦}25{,}000\), daily operating cost \(\text{₦}300\), tillage rate \(1.6\) ha\,day\(^{-1}\).\n\nAlternatively, each plough can be rented on a daily basis at the following rates (including operation): wooden \(\text{₦}600\) day\(^{-1}\), iron \(\text{₦}800\) day\(^{-1}\), steel \(\text{₦}1{,}200\) day\(^{-1}\).\n\nThe farmer must till a total area of \(12\) ha within \(8\) days. He may purchase any number of ploughs, rent any number, or use a combination, but each plough can be used by only one worker per day. Determine the least‑cost strategy (specify whether to purchase or rent and which type(s) of plough) that allows the farmer to meet the tillage requirement.