Diploma in Agriculture in Plant Production

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to produce a Farm Manager, Agricultural Technician, or Agricultural Extension Officer, with specific reference to plant production. A learner assessed against this qualification will have the necessary competence to monitor, plan, control and provide leadership regarding plant production. The learner will be competent in specialised sub-field of plant production such as Vegetable production, Fruit production, Hydroponics.

Rationale

Staple food for the majority of people in the developing regions is derived from plants. Rice, wheat and maize globally supply more than 50 percent of human calorie requirements. Products from plants are the major source of both food and employment. The provision of basic information to farmers about soil conservation, irrigation, planting methods and food storage is vital. Getting farmers the best possible seeds and fertilizers is also essential. The qualification aims to assist farmers with the factors indicated. It is also envisaged that through this qualification issues relating to food crop production, the harvesting, storage, handling, processing, trading and marketing of foods and food products will be addressed.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

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

Entry Requirements

Prospective learners must have at least one of the following

• National Senior Certificate NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies with Agriculture, and/or Agricultural Management Practices, and/or Agricultural Technology.
• National Certificate (Vocational) NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies with Agriculture and/or Agricultural Management Practices, and/or Agricultural Technology.
• A relevant Further Education and Training Certificate NQF Level 4 in Agricultural Management Practices, and/or Agricultural Technology.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7. Learners must choose two electives at NQF Level 6 and one elective module at NQF Level 7. The total number of the Credits for the qualification is 388.

Modules at NQF Level 5 (114 Credits)

• Agricultural Calculations I, 8 Credits.
• Basic Plant and Animal Science, 10 Credits.
• Natural Resource Management, 10 Credits.
• Production Economics (Agricultural Economics I), 10 Credits.
• Computer Application 1, 8 Credits.
• Communication, 8 Credits.
• Sociology, 6 Credits.
• Agricultural Calculations II, 8 Credits.
• Farm Accounting (Financial Management), 10 Credits.
• Computer Application II, 8 Credits.
• Agricultural Extension I (Introduction to Extension), 10 Credits.
• Soil Science I, (Introduction to soil Science), 10 Credits.
• Ethics, 8 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 6 (206 Credits)

• Human Resource Management, 8 Credits.
• Plant Breeding, 12 Credits.
• Agricultural Mechanisation and Structures, 12 Credits.
• Agricultural Extension II, 8 Credits.
• Crop Protection I, 12 Credits.
• Fruit Production, 12 Credits.
• Irrigation and Water Management, 12 Credits.
• Crop Protection II, 12 Credits.
• Soil Science II, 12 Credits.
• Agricultural Marketing (Agricultural economics II), 10 Credits.
• Field Crop Production (Agronomy), 12 Credits.
• Experiential Learning, 60 Credits.

Elective modules (select two)

• Vegetable Production, 12 Credits.
• Floriculture, 12 Credits.
• Industrial Crop production (Agronomy), 12 Credits.
• Agro-Forestry, 12 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 7 (68 Credits)

• Soil Science III, 12 Credits.
• Agricultural Extension III, 10 Credits.
• Nursery Management, 12 Credits.
• Land use planning, 12 Credits.
• Farm Business Management Entrepreneurship, 10 Credits.

Elective Modules (select one)

• Organic Farming (Systems), 12 Credits.
• Agro-Food Processing, 12 Credits.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the 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.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Factors that have an influence on crop production such as climate, soil, crop improvement (genetics), are identified and explained.
• All cultural practices required to grow and manage selected grain crops are carried out.
• The processes of managing, harvesting and grading grain crops are applied.
• Detailed treatment of major grains, roots, tubers, oils and fibres, with regard 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.
• Pathogenic 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 cropping systems 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

• Reproductive 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 of natural resources for plant growth and the implications for population growth and food production are explained.
• Study is conducted of soil developed from different parent materials as influenced by other soil forming factors and physical properties of soils.

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

• A land-use plan is introduced and implemented at the farm.
• Farming machinery is operated and maintained.
• Operation, care and maintenance of power sources is 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 with consideration of the target group.
• Communication and implementation of a strategic marketing plan is 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 per semester.
• A written final examination at the end of each semester for each module taken.