UAC - WSQ URBAN AGRONOMIST COURSE by NTUC LearningHub

As a city state, there is a limit to the land size that Singapore has. In recent years, developments in technology, design and farming lead to a need for a resilient food source. This is especially so amidst the current Covid-19 pandemic where Singapore may face a risk of shortage of food supplies as we rely on our neighbours for our food imports. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) lists urban farming as an innovative solution to meet our needs. The Minister for Environment and Water Resources (MEWR), Mr. Masagos Zulkifli shared that Singapore aims to grow 30% of our own food by 2030.

Horticulturalists/landscaping professionals or individuals with an interest in growing their own source of vegetables may acquire the skills to move into a new/adjacent field and cultivate their urban farm business in this emerging market. There is an increase in demand by professionals from other industries ranging from primary/secondary school teachers, corporate social responsibility managers, to chefs seeking to develop their own garden. The course will equip them with the practical skills and scientific knowledge to enable learners an entry into the agri-tech field.

The course will cover the adherence to Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Guidelines in Agri-Tech, Plant Health Management, Manage Soil and Media, Utilise technology to meet watering needs of Crops and Setting up and Maintaining an Urban Farm.

Course competencies

• Plant Health Management and Disease Control
• Soil and Media Assessment and Remediation
• Landscape Irrigation Management
• Skyrise Greenery Maintenance
• Horticultural Chemical Usage

Course Objectives

At the end of the course, leaners will be able to:

• Identify and Recall WSH Guideline in Agri-Tech.
• Adhere to Administrative Controls - WSH Guidelines, Standards and Practices.
• Utilise Last line of Defence – Personal Protective Equipment.
• Identify plant nutritional deficiencies to appraise requirements.
• Identify pest and diseases infestations in plants by recognising them directly or symptomatically.
• Recognise pests, plant diseases and invasive species to determine remediation measures.
• Implement treatment for pests, diseases and invasive species to maintain plant health.
• Recognise Characteristics of soil and media.
• Test and develop plans to maintain soil and media quality.
• Implement media management plan to ensure optimal growing conditions.
• Record and monitor amelioration activities for compliance and reporting.
• Recognise Watering Needs of Crops.
• Prepare and calibrate tools, equipment and irrigation systems to ensure adequate amount of water delivered.
• Operate equipment and systems to irrigate plants, trees, palms and turf.
• Check and perform repairs to maintain the operational capability of the irrigation systems.
• Initiate and expedite the activities to operate an urban farm.
• Construct a set up to maintain skyrise greenery.

Pre-requisites

The admission requirements are:

• Read, write, and speak English at WPL Level 4
• Manipulate numbers at WPN Level 4

Course Outline

• Adherence to WSH Guidelines in Agri-Tech
• Plant Health Management
• Manage Soil and Media
• Utilise technology to meet watering needs of Crops
• Setting up and Maintaining an Urban Farm

Certificate Obtained and Conferred by

Upon meeting the attendance and assessment(s) criteria, participants will be awarded with Statement of Attainment from SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG)