Available courses

FORMULATE LIVESTOCK FEEDS

This unit specifies competencies required to produce and formulate livestock feeds.
It involves determining animal nutrition requirements, calculating livestock feed ratios,
producing animal feed and feedstuffs, processing animal feedstuff, animal feedstuffs mixing,
packaging animal feed and storing animal feed.

HORTICULTURE

Occupational Standards for Horticulture

Occupational Standard (OS): Horticulture Production Assistant

1. Occupational Title

Horticulture Production Assistant

2. Purpose of the Occupation

To support the production, maintenance, harvesting, and marketing of horticultural crops using safe, efficient, and sustainable agricultural practices.

3. Key Duties and Responsibilities

A. Land Preparation

  • Clear and prepare land for planting
  • Prepare seedbeds and nursery sites
  • Apply manure and fertilizers appropriately

B. Plant Propagation

  • Select quality seeds and planting materials
  • Carry out seed sowing and transplanting
  • Propagate crops through cuttings, grafting, or budding

C. Crop Management

  • Irrigate crops properly
  • Weed and mulch fields
  • Monitor crop growth and health
  • Apply fertilizers and pesticides safely

D. Pest and Disease Control

  • Identify common pests and diseases
  • Apply integrated pest management methods
  • Maintain sanitation in production areas

E. Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling

  • Harvest crops at correct maturity stage
  • Grade and sort produce
  • Package and store produce properly

F. Record Keeping

  • Maintain production records
  • Record input usage and yields
  • Track sales and expenses

G. Workplace Safety

  • Use personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Follow health and safety procedures
  • Handle chemicals safely

4. Required Knowledge

The worker should understand:

  • Types of horticultural crops
  • Soil preparation methods
  • Irrigation techniques
  • Fertilizer application
  • Pest and disease management
  • Harvesting techniques
  • Occupational safety practices

5. Required Skills

The worker should be able to:

  • Prepare nursery beds
  • Operate basic farm tools
  • Identify crop pests and diseases
  • Apply agrochemicals safely
  • Harvest and handle produce correctly
  • Keep simple farm records

6. Tools and Equipment

  • Hoes
  • Watering cans
  • Sprayers
  • Pruning shears
  • Wheelbarrows
  • Protective clothing (gloves, boots, masks)

7. Performance Standards

The worker must:

  • Prepare land according to crop requirements
  • Achieve healthy crop establishment
  • Minimize crop losses
  • Maintain hygiene and safety standards
  • Produce quality horticultural products

8. Occupational Safety and Environmental Requirements

  • Proper disposal of chemical containers
  • Safe storage of agrochemicals
  • Water conservation practices
  • Soil conservation measures
  • Use of PPE during farm operations

9. Entry Requirements

  • Basic literacy and numeracy
  • Interest in agriculture/horticulture
  • Physical fitness for farm work