National Certificate: Plant Production (NQF Level 2)
SAQA Qualification ID: 48970
NQF Level: 2 | Credits: 120
Qualification Type: National Certificate
Duration: 12 Months (including workplace exposure)
Accreditation: AgriSETA Aligned | Delivered by Inqola Yenguquku Training
Delivery Mode: Blended (Classroom + Practical + Workplace-Based)
Qualification Overview
The National Certificate in Plant Production (NQF Level 2) provides learners with foundational knowledge and practical skills in crop and horticultural production. It is aimed at new entrants, emerging farmers, land reform beneficiaries, and cooperatives operating in both subsistence and small-scale commercial agriculture.
The programme offers hands-on learning in soil preparation, crop establishment, pest and disease control, irrigation, harvesting, and recordkeeping, with an emphasis on sustainable and environmentally responsible practices.
Purpose of the Qualification
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Equip learners with basic plant production skills across a range of crops (vegetables, grains, fruits, herbs)
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Support youth and women in agri-enterprise creation
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Improve food security, job creation, and entry into the formal agricultural economy
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Prepare learners for further learning at NQF Levels 3 to 5 in Plant Production, Agri-business or Agronomy
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Promote sustainable agricultural practices and responsible natural resource use
Learning Outcomes
By completing this qualification, learners will be able to:
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Prepare land and soil for planting
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Plant and cultivate crops using appropriate methods and tools
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Identify and control common pests, diseases, and weeds
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Apply irrigation and fertilisation practices suitable for various crops
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Harvest, grade, package and store produce
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Use basic farm tools and maintain infrastructure (fencing, irrigation, etc.)
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Demonstrate an understanding of the agricultural value chain
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Apply basic health and safety and environmental care standards
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Maintain simple records and farm input data
Qualification Structure (as per AgriSETA)
The qualification comprises three components:
1. Fundamental Modules (36 Credits)
Provides foundational communication and numeracy:
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Communication in the workplace (US 8963, 8962, etc.)
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Mathematical literacy for agriculture (US 9007, 9008)
2. Core Modules (68 Credits)
Compulsory unit standards that cover essential plant production skills:
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US 116164: Apply elementary farm layout and infrastructure principles
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US 116077: Plant a range of crops
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US 116058: Understand basic soil fertility and plant nutrition
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US 116072: Recognise pests, diseases and weeds on crops
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US 116075: Irrigate farmland
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US 116079: Harvest agricultural crops
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US 116115: Use and maintain agricultural tools and infrastructure
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US 116057: Understand plant production systems
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US 116096: Apply basic health and safety principles
3. Elective Modules (16+ Credits)
Electives allow flexibility to focus on enterprise-specific needs such as:
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US 116066: Maintain infrastructure (fencing, water supply)
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US 116068: Identify and understand agro-ecological zones
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US 116078: Maintain nursery plant production systems
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US 116076: Use agricultural equipment
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US 116081: Apply basic entrepreneurial principles in farming
(Elective options may be adjusted depending on delivery focus — e.g., vegetable production, grains, herbs, or permaculture.)
Assessment Approach
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Formative Assessment: Practical demonstrations, oral presentations, group tasks
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Summative Assessment: Knowledge tests, Portfolio of Evidence (PoE), site observations
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Moderation & Certification: External verification by AgriSETA/QCTO
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Award: National Certificate: Plant Production (NQF 2) upon successful completion
Target Audience
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New entrants into agriculture with no formal background
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Youth, women, and land reform beneficiaries
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Members of cooperatives or emerging farmer groups
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Community-based food production or nutrition project participants
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School leavers seeking agri-employment or agri-entrepreneurship pathways
Career Pathways & Progression
Graduates can pursue roles such as:
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Farm Assistant or General Worker
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Irrigation Technician
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Crop Production Worker
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Horticultural Assistant
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Community Food Garden Coordinator
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Progress to NQF 3–5 in Plant Production, Mixed Farming, or Agribusiness
Tuition & Support
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Annual Fee: R21,490 per learner
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Includes tuition, learning materials, PoE support, assessments, certification
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Host farm placement or demonstration plots included
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Payment plans
Strategic Alignment
This qualification supports:
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NSDP 2030: Skills development for inclusive growth
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Agricultural Development Strategy of DALRRD
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District Development Model (DDM): Local economic development
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Food Security and Nutrition Programmes
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Integrated Youth Development Strategy (IYDS)
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Provincial agricultural and skills development plans
