National Certificate:
Plant Production

NQF

2

SAQA ID

48975

MIN CREDITS

120

EST DURATION

1 YEAR
Including Workplace Experience

SETA

AGRISETA

How is the programme aligned?

This programme is a QCTO occupational qualification and will consist of knowledge modules, practical modules and work experience modules, as explained in the qualification rules.

Unit Standards

The fundamental component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 42 credits, all of which are compulsory.

The core component consist of Unit Standards to the value of 72 credits all of which are compulsory.

The following elective Unit Standards to a value of 6 credits have been selected:

  • US 116076: Introduce organic certification and internal control systems (2 Credits)
  • US116069: Participate in agri / ecotourism practices at both micro and meso levels to tourists (4 Credits)

Who is the target audience?

This qualification is intended for:  

  • Junior farm labourers who wish to progress to the level of labourer within farming operations in plant production
  • Farm owners
  • Learners seeking to have their different levels of practical experience in farming operations formally recognized
  • Possible candidates identified by the community as leaders

What are the entry requirements?

It is assumed that learners are already competent in:

  • Communication at NQF Level 1
  • Numeracy at NQF Level 1
  • Literacy at NQF Level 1

What is the purpose of the programme?

This qualification (is designed to) address the range of competencies required by farmers to enable them to strive towards higher levels of agricultural management standards and practices. Whilst it ensures technical production orientated competencies, it further encompasses other aspects such as agri-business and good agricultural practices.

The programme allows for learners to extend their learning into more specialised areas of plant production and provides the basis of the establishment of sustainable farming operations. The skills and expertise covered may allow qualifying junior personnel and elected candidates to progress towards positions of farm labourers (operators) with specific reference to plant production.

What are the learning outcomes?

The learning outcomes from the qualification exit level outcomes will enable learners to:

  • Participate as part of a working team, performing the agricultural processes as applicable to plant production in an established and familiar context under general supervision.
  • Make responsible decisions within a familiar range based on a sound understanding of the basic principles of agri-business and good agricultural practices.
  • Meeting the set objectives and targets within the broader farm plan which includes the economical application of general resources, agricultural production and technical knowledge and skills, in a plant production context
  • Carry out familiar procedures in a limited environment and adhere to the relevant safety, quality, hygiene and technical standards as applicable within the industry.
  • Actively participate in the primary agricultural sector through the production of quality agricultural products, enhancing the overall agricultural process and gain opportunities to access local, national and international agricultural markets.
  • Guide and direct others in terms of the implementation of smaller development projects within a plant production context.

How is the programme structured?

The unit standards of the qualification have been collated into the following 7 modules:

  1. Mathematical Literacy
  2. Business Communication
  3. Sustainable Farming Systems
  4. Agri-business
  5. Good Agricultural Practices
  6. Plant Production
  7. Animal Production

Note: Credit Accumulations and Transfer (CAT) exemption for specific Unit Standards is applicable to approved learners and CAT applications for approval will be provided on request. Approved learners will have reduced contact days.

How will the course be delivered and assessed?

Facilitation strategy

We offer our clients various facilitation methods based on specific needs. This can include in-person, on-line, and virtual facilitation methods or a combination of any of these. Various learning techniques, such as simulations, roleplays, and presentations are used. Facilitators give feedback on participation, strengths, and areas for improvement. Practical application is crucial, requiring learners to apply knowledge in their daily work under supervision.

Assessment strategy

  • Formative Assessment is conducted throughout the programme during the facilitated sessions. Assessment activities are included in the Formative Assessment Workbook and will be checked by the facilitator. Learners are expected to complete all the activities in their workbooks.
  • Summative Assessment is conducted at the end of the foundational training phase. Learners are expected to complete summative assessment activities in the workplace and complete a logbook.
  • Final Integral Assessment (FISA) is conducted at the end of the qualification and learners are only eligible for the FISA once competent for all modules. The FISA will consist of assessment of knowledge, practical and reflexive components although these may be integrated.

What are the workplace requirements?

Outcomes-based qualifications require application of skills in the workplace. For this qualification the following human and physical resources are required:

  • A supervisor/manager
  • Planting materials, implements and tools
  • Applicable PPE for plantings and testing of water
  • Water source as well as tools and equipment to sample and test water
  • Company policies and procedures including:

  o Code of conduct

  o Human resource policies

  o Disciplinary rules

  o Grievance procedures

What workplace activities will need to be completed?

Learners receive a logbook providing guidelines for workplace integration activities and in some cases specific workplace assignments to be conducted with evidence collection.

Some of the practical workplace activities for this qualification require learners to complete the following:

  • Solve various numerical and language related problems
  • Write a business e-mail
  • Prepare, propagate, plant and monitor plants
  • Sample and test water quality factors
  • Select, use, clean, repair and store tools and equipment
  • Analyse conservation and farm layout principles
  • Control pests, diseases and weeds on all crops effectively and responsibly

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