Diploma in Agriculture in Plant Production

Purpose

To produce graduates in plant production capable of providing technical and advisory skills to farmers and entrepreneurial skills to graduates who may want to start a farming enterprise for sustainable agricultural production.

The contextualised purpose and usage of the qualification is as follows

• A candidate who acquires this qualification will have the necessary Skills to monitor, implement, co-ordinate, plan, control and provide leadership regarding the agricultural processes as applicable to plant production in a variety of Plant Production processes, taking responsibility for the nature, quality and quantity of outputs.
• The candidate will be able to take complete responsibility for her/his own actions within a Plant Production context.
• Skills will be gained in any of the specialised sub-fields of Plant Production as specified under Areas of Specialisation with a strong focus on management.
• The candidate will be able to take responsible decisions within a wide range of familiar and un-familiar contexts based on a sound understanding of the basic principles of agri-business and good agricultural practices, in 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, all in a Plant Production context.
• The candidate will be able to select from a wide range of standard and non-standard procedures in Plant Production and will be able to ensure the relevant safety, quality, hygiene and technical standards as applicable within the industry.

Rationale

The Diploma in Agriculture in Plant Production provides knowledge and skills for sustainable agribusiness development in order to alleviate poverty, promotes economic growth and sustainable resource utilisation through demand led training, research and outreach. The qualification is designed to produce graduates in plant production who can be entrepreneurs and employ other people thereby alleviate poverty, promote economic growth and with the kind of knowledge and skill acquired, be able to sustainably, utilise resources.

This qualification develops graduates who will become specialists in areas of plant production and management and provide the basis for the establishment of sustainable farming operations through the inclusion of a wide spectrum of competencies required by farmers in South Africa.

It is assumed that the learners are

• Competent in Communication at NQF Level 4.
• Competent in Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.
• Equipped with general theoretical and practical knowledge in agriculture.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL is applied for learners who do not have formal academic achievement to gain access to a Diploma in Agriculture in Plant Production qualification. Proven expertise and competency will be considered. Candidates may apply for exemption from certain modules on grounds of prior qualification study achieved.

Access to the Qualification

Prospective learners must have at least

• National Senior Certificate with Agriculture, and or Agricultural Management Practices, and or Agricultural Technology.
• National Certificate (Vocational) at NQF Level 4.
• A relevant Further Education and Training Certificate (NQF Level 4) qualification.

The qualification consists of NQF Level 5 modules with 50 Credits, NQF Level 6 modules with 240 Credits, NQF Level 7 modules with 82 and one elective (optional) module with 12 Credits at NQF Level 7 totalling 384 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 5

• Agricultural Calculations I, 8 Credits.
• Basic Plant and animal science, 10 Credits.
• Computer Application I, 8 Credits.
• Communication, 8 Credits.
• Agricultural Calculations II, 8 Credits.
• Computer Application II, 8 Credits.

Total Credits: 50 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 6

• Agricultural Mechanisation and Structures I, 12 Credits.
• Agricultural Economics I, 10 Credits.
• Nursery Management, 12 Credits.
• Agricultural Mechanisation and Structures II, 12 Credits.
• Soil Science I, 12 Credits.
• Agricultural Extension I, 10 Credits.
• Plant Breeding, 12 Credits.
• Irrigation and Water Management, 12 Credits.
• Crop Protection I, 12 Credits.
• Soil Since II, 12 Credits.
• Crop Protection II, 12 Credits.
• Extension II, 10 Credits.
• Agricultural economics II, 10 Credits.
• Human Resource Management, 8 Credits.
• Financial Management, 8 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship, 8 Credits.
• Ethics, 8 Credits.
• Experiential Learning, 60 Credits.

Total Credits: 240 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 7

• Land use planning, 12 Credits.
• Natural Resource Management, 12 Credits.
• Agronomy, 12 Credits.
• Soil Science, 12 Credits.
• Extension III, 10 Credits.
• Fruit Production, 12 Credits.
• Vegetable Production, 12 Credits.

Total Credits: 82 Credits.

Elective (a learner is expected to pick one elective)

• Hydroponics, 12 Credits.
• Floriculture, 12 Credits.
• Cultivated pasture, 12 Credits.
• Agro-Forestry, 12 Credits.
• Bee keeping, 12 Credits.
• Agro-Food Processing, 12 Credits.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of science of soil management, land cultivation, and crop production.
2. Apply methods of protecting plants from pathogens.
3. Manage and establish citrus and other subtropical fruits.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of various methods of plant breeding techniques.
5. Manage natural resources and the interrelationship within environmental sciences.
6. Demonstrate the skills of effective communication and transference of knowledge.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the skills and knowledge required in farming.
8. Apply entrepreneurial skills in relation to managing finance, marketing, sales and customer relations.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

The qualification offers the opportunity to develop all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Factors that have an influence in crop production such as climate, soil, crop improvement (genetics) are identified and explained.
• All cultural practices to grow and manage selected grain crops are carried out.
• The process of managing, harvesting and grading of grain crops is applied.
• Detailed treatment of major grain, root, tuber, oil, fibre, etc. with respect to economic importance is explained.
• Climatic and soil requirements, cultural practices, nutrient requirements, fertilisation, disease, pest and weed control, harvesting, post harvest handling and storage are explained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Crop damage is assessed and appropriate pest control methods are determined.
• Pathogens' effects on plant physiological functioning are explained.
• The ecological background to pest control is explained.
• Pest control procedures are explained.
• Pest control practices are applied.
• Collection, identification and classification of weeds in a cropping system are applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Land is prepared for planting.
• Pruning and trimming is conducted to increase productivity.
• Grafting and budding are properly administered.
• Propagation of rootstock and cutting in the greenhouse is conducted.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Reproduction Systems of plants are explained.
• Methods of breeding in plants are administered.
• Breeding Self-pollinating Crops is applied.
• Genetic engineering in Plant Breeding is explained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Different types of environmental degradation and its impact on the environment are identified.
• Ethics of environmental management and environmental laws are applied.
• The importance for plant growth and implications for population growth and food production are explained.
• Study of soil developed from different parent materials as influenced by other soil forming factors and physical properties of soils is conducted.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Key elements of communication in agriculture are applied.
• General principles for effective communication for rural development are identified and used.
• Good communication strategies in agricultural extension are developed.
• Methods of communicating agricultural information and advice are applied.
• Factors affecting the effectiveness of communication methods are identified and dealt with.
• Effective methods to communicate key values to stakeholders and customers are developed and applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Land-use plan is introduced and implemented at the farm.
• Farming machinery is operated and maintained.
• Operation, care and maintenance of power sources are carefully planned and managed.
• Correct and appropriate storage methods for farming equipment are applied.
• Efficient irrigation methods in relation to soil texture are applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• A business plan is developed.
• Marketing strategies are developed considering the target group.
• Communication and implementation of a strategic marketing plan are discussed.
• Financial records are kept for analysis of farm accounting information.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment includes the following

• Assignments to be completed.
• At least two tests per module in a semester.
• Finally, written examination at the end of each semester for each module taken.