QUALIFICATIONS PACK - OCCUPATIONAL STANDARDS FOR AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED INDUSTRY Contents OS describe what individuals need to do, know and understand in order to carry out a particular job role or function OS are performance standards that individuals must achieve when carrying out functions in the workplace, together with specifications of the underpinning knowledge and understanding Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI) 304-305, 3 rd Floor, Bestech Chambers Sushant Lok-1, Gurgaon, Haryana E mail: ceo@asci-india.com Qualifications Pack Nursery Worker SECTOR: AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED SUB-SECTOR: Agriculture Crop Production 1. Introduction and Contacts.. [1] 2. Qualifications Pack....[2] 3. Glossary of Key Terms [3] 4. OS Units.....[5] 5. Annexure: Nomenclature for QP & OS [21] 6. Assessment Criteria..[23] OCCUPATION: Landscaping, Gardening and Urban Farming REFERENCE ID: AGR/Q0807 ALIGNED TO: NCO-2015/6113.9900 Introduction A Nursery Worker is responsible for monitoring day to day growth of plants in the nursery. Brief Job Description: A Nursery Worker is responsible for monitoring the day to day growth of the plants in a nursery, ensuring proper nutrition is provided to them such as water, check if plants are infested with any diseases and plant new saplings. Personal Attributes: A Nursery Worker must have the ability to produce quality planting materials, work based on instructions given, solve basic problems related to planting. S/he should have decent communication skills, a basic knowledge in nursery practices and must possess physical stamina. Page 1
Job Details Qualifications Pack For Nursery Worker Qualifications Pack Code AGR/N0807 Job Role Nursery Worker Credits (NSQF) TBD Version number 1.0 Sector Agriculture and Allied Drafted on 10/03/16 Sub-sector Agriculture Crop Production Last reviewed on 25/11/16 Occupation Landscaping, gardening and urban farming Next review date 31/10/19 NSQC clearance date N/A Job Role Nursery Worker Role Description NSQF level Minimum Educational Qualifications Maximum Educational Qualifications A Nursery Worker is responsible for monitoring the day to day growth of the plants in a nursery, ensuring proper nutrition is provided to them such as water, check if plants are infested with any diseases and plant new saplings. 3 Class 5, preferably Not Applicable Training (Suggested but not mandatory) Minimum Job Entry Age Experience N/A 16 Years Not applicable Applicable National Occupational Standards (NOS) Compulsory 1. AGR/N0820 Carry out nursery chores 2. AGR/N0821 Carry out maintenance of nursery 3. AGR/N9903 Maintain health & safety at the workplace Optional: N.A. Performance Criteria As described in the relevant OS units Page 2
Definitions Qualifications Pack For Nursery Worker Keywords/Terms Sector Sub-sector Occupation Function Job Role OS Performance Criteria NOS Qualifications Pack Code Qualifications Pack Unit Code Unit Title Description Knowledge and Understanding Organizational Context Technical Knowledge Core Skills or Generic Skills Description Sector is a conglomeration of different business operations having similar businesses and interests. It may also be defined as a distinct subset of the economy whose components share similar characteristics and interests. Sub-sector is derived from a further breakdown based on the characteristics and interests of its components. Occupation is a set of job roles, which perform similar/related set of functions in an industry. Function is an activity necessary for achieving the key purpose of the sector, occupation, or area of work, which can be carried out by a person or a group of persons. Functions are identified through analysis and form the basis of OS. Job role defines a unique set of functions that together form a unique employment opportunity in an organization. OS specify the standards of performance an individual must achieve when carrying out a function in the workplace, together with the knowledge and understanding they need to meet that standard consistently. Occupational Standards are applicable both in the Indian and global contexts. Performance Criteria are statements that together specify the standard of performance required when carrying out a task. NOS are Occupational Standards which apply uniquely in the Indian context. Qualifications Pack Code is a unique reference code that identifies a qualifications pack. Qualifications Pack comprises the set of OS, together with the educational, training and other criteria required to perform a job role. A Qualifications Pack is assigned a unique qualification pack code. Unit Code is a unique identifier for an Occupational Standard, which is denoted by an N Unit Title gives a clear overall statement about what the incumbent should be able to do. Description gives a short summary of the unit content. This would be helpful to anyone searching on a database to verify that this is the appropriate OS they are looking for. Knowledge and Understanding are statements which together specify the technical, generic, professional and organizational specific knowledge that an individual needs in order to perform to the required standard. Organizational Context includes the way the organization is structured and how it operates, including the extent of operative knowledge managers have of their relevant areas of responsibility. Technical Knowledge is the specific knowledge needed to accomplish specific designated responsibilities. Core Skills or Generic Skills are a group of skills that are key to learning and working in today's world. These skills are typically needed in any work environment. In the context of the OS, these include communication related skills that are applicable to most job roles. Page 3
Acronyms Qualifications Pack For Nursery Worker Keywords /Terms NOS NSQF OS PC QP SSC Description National Occupational Standard National Skill Qualification Framework Occupational Standard Performance Criteria Qualification Pack Sector Skill Council Page 4
AGR/N0820 Carry out nursery chores ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- National Occupational Standard Overview This OS unit is about carrying out nursery chores Page 5
National Occupational Standard AGR/N0820 Carry out nursery chores Unit Code Unit Title (Task) Description Scope AGR/N0820 Carry out nursery chores Performance Criteria(PC) w.r.t. the Scope Element Identify plants and seeds and maintain cleanliness This OS unit is about carrying out the nursery chores This unit/task covers the following: Identify plants and seeds and maintain cleanliness Carry out seed bed preparation and maintenance Carry out plant propagation Assist in greenhouse activities Performance Criteria To be competent, the individual must be able to: PC1. identify plants and their varieties, the right areas to place them in the nursery depending on their properties and inspect them to assess quality PC2. identify and carry out sorting of quality seeds and ensure temporary storage of seeds in proper condition PC3. select and use nursery tools for different nursery operations PC4. maintain the cleanliness of the nursery at all times Carry out seed bed preparation and maintenance To be competent, the individual must be able to: PC5. select good quality seeds PC6. select poly bags of appropriate size and specifications PC7. plant seeds in the poly bags/root trainer cups to aid in the cultivation of young plants PC8. carry out timely sowing of the seeds PC9. prepare the land and make germination beds as per specification PC10. place the seeds in the germination medium and cover with coir mat/gunny bags PC11. water the germination beds to maintain optimum moisture using hand tools and gardening tools PC12. select the best quality germinated seeds, tie and wrap them and ensure transportation without damage PC13. count the no: of seeds that have germinated so as to assess mortality rate PC14. carry out timely weeding and ensure undesirable seedlings are removed PC15. carry out fertilizer application as per instructions received PC16. carry out safe handling, storage and disposal of fertilizers PC17. identify and control insects and rodents through application of pesticides as per instructions received PC18. provide shade to regulate sun light to growing plants PC19. carry out harvesting of plants at the right stage and transplant or pot and label them PC20. dip cut flowers into disinfectant, count them into bunches, and place them in Page 6
AGR/N0820 Carry out nursery chores boxes to prepare them for storage and transportation PC21. operate and maintain machineries required to cultivate, harvest and spray plants and fields Carry out plant propagation Assist in greenhouse activities To be competent, the individual must be able to: PC22. propagate new plants by grafting and other measures as per the instructions received PC23. carry out inspection of plants for any growth related issues during the growth period PC24. carry out watering of plants as and when required PC25. carry out application of growth regulators as per the instructions received PC26. carry out trimming and pruning of plants and trees whenever required as per instructions received PC27. assist in the designing aspects of greenhouse PC28. monitor the drip irrigation systems in the greenhouse PC29. monitor the growth of plants (flowers, vegetables or fruits) grown in the greenhouse PC30. assist in maintaining the sunlight and other conditions in the greenhouse Knowledge and Understanding (K) A. Organizational Context (Knowledge of the company / organization and its processes) B. Technical Knowledge Skills (S) A. Core Skills/ Generic Skills The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand: KA1. organization procedures used for effective nursery management KA2. types of fertilizers and irrigation methods used by the organization KA3. basic knowledge of disease control and pest management systems used by the organization KA4. basic aspects of plant propagation procedure used in the organization KA5. basic aspects of greenhouse activities used in the organization The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand: KB1. types of soil and their suitability for various varieties of plants KB2. sorting and viability testing of seeds KB3. preparation of germination beds, nursery beds KB4. planting techniques and nursery and after care KB5. basic knowledge of pest and disease management KB6. basic aspects of plant propagation KB7. basic knowledge of greenhouse activities and precautions to be taken for a greenhouse Writing Skills The user/ individual on the job needs to know and understand how to: SA1. write information communicated by the supervisor Reading Skills SA2. read instruction manual for hand tool and equipment Oral Communication (Listening and Speaking skills) Page 7
AGR/N0820 Carry out nursery chores B. Professional Skills Decision Making SA3. communicate clearly and effectively with others team members and staff SB1. make decisions pertaining to types of tools to be used SB2. identify need of first aid and render it Plan and Organize SB3. schedule daily activities and drawing up priorities Customer Centricity SB4. manage relationships with co-workers and managers Problem Solving SB5. think through the problem, evaluate the possible solutions and take up optimum / best solutions Analytical Thinking SB6. monitor and maintain the condition of tools and equipment SB7. assess situation and identify appropriate control measures Critical Thinking SB8. use common sense and make judgments on day to day basis Page 8
AGR/N0820 Carry out nursery chores NOS Version Control NOS Code AGR/N0820 Credits (NSQF) TBD Version number 1.0 Industry Agriculture and Allied Drafted on 10/03/16 Industry Sub-sector Agriculture Crop Production Last reviewed on 25/11/16 Occupation Landscaping, gardening and urban farming Next review date 31/10/19 Back to Top Page 9
AGR/N0821 Carry out maintenance of nursery ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- National Occupational Standard Overview This OS unit is about maintaining the nursery and other related activities Page 10
National Occupational Standard AGR/N0821 Carry out maintenance of nursery Unit Code Unit Title (Task) Description Scope AGR/N0821 Carry out maintenance of nursery This OS unit is about maintaining the nursery and other related activities This unit/task covers the following: Carry out nursery maintenance related activities Performance Criteria(PC) w.r.t. the Scope Element Carry out nursery maintenance related activities Knowledge and Understanding (K) A. Organizational Context (Knowledge of the company / organization and its processes) Performance Criteria To be competent, the individual must be able to: PC1. monitor proper drainage in the nursery and minimize over exploitation of water in irrigation PC2. carry out waste water treatment in an adequate manner, as per instructions PC3. control epidemic by destroying sources of mosquito breeding PC4. carry out prescribed use of fertilizers/chemicals as per instructions PC5. record information about plants and plant growth PC6. keep a record of gardening tools and equipment and clean and care for them to keep them in good condition. PC7. provide information on care of plants when required PC8. maintain inventory, and order materials as required PC9. adhere to planting and care schedules PC10. manage various nursery waste material/ disposal and how to make use of it for composting/vermi-composting The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand: KA1. organization procedures used for natural resource management KA2. tools used by organization for documentation and record keeping KA3. organization best practices in care and maintenance B. Technical Knowledge The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand: KB1. irrigation schedule and methods KB2. types of fertilizers and fertilizer application methods KB3. documentation and record keeping techniques KB4. waste management practices Skills (S) A. Core Skills/ Writing Skills Page 11
AGR/N0821 Carry out maintenance of nursery Generic Skills The user/ individual on the job needs to know and understand how to: SA1. write information communicated by the supervisor B. Professional Skills Reading Skills SA2. read instruction manual for hand tool and equipment Oral Communication (Listening and Speaking skills) SA3. communicate clearly and effectively with others team members and staff Decision Making SB1. make decisions pertaining to types of tools to be used SB2. identify need of first aid and render it Plan and Organize SB3. schedule daily activities and drawing up priorities Customer Centricity SB4. manage relationships with co-workers and managers Problem Solving SB5. think through the problem, evaluate the possible solutions and take up optimum / best solutions Analytical Thinking SB6. monitor and maintain the condition of tools and equipment SB7. assess situation & identify appropriate control measures Critical Thinking SB8. use common sense and make judgments on day to day basis Page 12
AGR/N0821 Carry out maintenance of nursery NOS Version Control NOS Code AGR/N0821 Credits (NSQF) TBD Version number 1.0 Industry Agriculture and Allied Drafted on 10/03/16 Industry Sub-sector Agriculture Crop Production Last reviewed on 25/11/16 Occupation Landscaping, gardening and urban farming Next review date 31/10/19 Back to Top Page 13
AGR/N9903 Maintain health and safety at the workplace ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- National Occupational Standard Overview This OS unit is about maintaining health & safety at the workplace. Page 14
National Occupational Standard AGR/N9903 Maintain health and safety at the workplace Unit Code Unit Title (Task) Description Scope AGR/N9903 Performance Criteria(PC) w.r.t. the Scope Element Maintain a clean & efficient workplace Maintain health and safety at the workplace This OS unit is about maintaining health and safety of self and others co workers at workplace. This unit/task covers the following: Maintain a clean & efficient workplace Render appropriate emergency procedures Performance Criteria To be competent, the individual must be able to: PC1. undertake basic safety checks before operation of all machinery and vehicles and report all potential hazards to the supervisor PC2. identify work for which protective clothing or equipment is required and perform those duties in accordance with workplace policy PC3. read and understand the hazards of use and contamination mentioned on the labels of pesticides/fumigants, etc. PC4. assess risks prior to performing manual handling jobs, and work according to currently recommended safe practices PC5. use equipment and materials safely and correctly and return the same to designated storage when not in use PC6. dispose off waste safely and correctly in a designated area PC7. recognize risks to bystanders and take action to reduce risk associated with jobs in the workplace PC8. perform work in a manner which minimizes environmental damage all procedures and ensure work instructions for controlling risks are followed closely PC9. report any accidents, incidents or problems without delay to an appropriate person and take necessary immediate action to reduce further danger Render appropriate emergency procedures To be competent, the individual must be able to: PC10. follow procedures for dealing with accidents, fires and emergencies, including communicating location and directions for emergency evacuation PC11. follow emergency procedures to company standard / workplace requirements PC12. use emergency equipment in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and workplace requirements PC13. provide treatment appropriate to the patient's injuries in accordance with recognized first aid techniques PC14. recover (if practical), clean, inspect/test, refurbish, replace and store the first Page 15
AGR/N9903 Maintain health and safety at the workplace aid equipment as appropriate PC15. report details of first aid administered in accordance with workplace procedures. Knowledge and Understanding (K) A. Organizational Context (Knowledge of the company / organization and its processes) B. Technical Knowledge Skills (S) A. Core Skills/ Generic Skills B. Professional Skills The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand: KA1. personal hygiene and fitness requirements KA2. general duties under the relevant health and safety legislation KA3. personal protective equipment to be worn and how it is cared for the correct and safe way to use materials and equipment required for your work KA4. the correct and safe way to use materials and equipment required for work KA5. importance of good housekeeping in the workplace KA6. safe disposal methods for waste KA7. methods for minimizing environmental damage during work The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand: KB1. the risks to health and safety and the measures to be taken to control those risks in your area of work KB2. workplace procedures and requirements for the treatment of workplace injuries/illnesses KB3. basic emergency first aid procedure KB4. local emergency services KB5. importance of reporting accidents, incidents and problems and the appropriate action to take Writing Skills The user/ individual on the job needs to know and understand how to: SA1. mention the data which are required for record keeping purpose SA2. report problems to the appropriate personnel in a timely manner SA3. write descriptions and details about incidents in reports Reading Skills SA4. read instruction manual for hand tool and equipments Oral Communication (Listening and Speaking skills) SA5. communicate clearly and effectively with others like farmers, concerned officer/stakeholders SA6. comprehend information shared by senior people and experts Decision Making SB1. make decisions pertaining to types of tools to be used SB2. identify need of first aid and render it accordingly Plan and Organize SB3. schedule daily activities and drawing up priorities; allocate start times, estimation of completion times and materials, equipment and assistance required for completion Page 16
AGR/N9903 Maintain health and safety at the workplace Customer Centricity SB4. manage relationships with co-workers and managers of the who may be stressed, frustrated, confused or angry Problem Solving SB5. think through the problem, evaluate the possible solutions and take up optimum / best solutions Analytical Thinking SB6. monitor and maintain the condition of tools and equipment SB7. assess situation & identify appropriate control measures Critical Thinking SB8. take up his own work and learning Page 17
AGR/N9903 Maintain health and safety at the workplace NOS Version Control NOS Code AGR/N9903 Credits (NSQF) TBD Version number 1.0 Industry Agriculture and Allied Drafted on 10/03/16 Industry Sub-sector Agriculture Crop Production Last reviewed on 25/11/16 Occupation Landscaping, gardening and urban farming Next review date 31/10/19 Back to Top Page 18
Qualifications Pack of Nursery Worker Annexure Nomenclature for QP and NOS Qualifications Pack 9 characters [ABC]/ Q 0101 [Insert 3 letter code for SSC] Q denoting Qualifications Pack QP number (2 numbers) Occupation (2 numbers) Occupational Standard An example of NOS with N 9 characters [ABC] / N 0101 [Insert 3 letter code for SSC] N denoting National Occupational Standard OS number (2 numbers) Occupation (2 numbers) Back to top Page 19
Qualifications Pack of Nursery Worker The following acronyms/codes have been used in the nomenclature above: Sub-sector Range of Occupation numbers Agriculture Crop Production 01 40 Dairying 41 42 Poultry 43 44 Animal Husbandry 45 48 Fisheries 49 51 Agriculture Allied Activities 52 60 Forestry, Environment and Renewable Energy Management 61-70 Agriculture Industries 71 90 Generic Occupations 96-99 Sequence Description Example Three letters Industry name AGR Slash / / Next letter Whether QP or NOS Q or N Next two numbers Occupation code 01 Next two numbers OS number 01 Note: The range of occupation numbers have been decided based on the number of existing and future occupations in a segment Occupation numbers from 91 95 have been intentionally left blank to accommodate any emerging segment in future Page 20
Qualifications Pack of Nursery Worker CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT OF TRAINEES Job Role Nursery Worker Qualification Pack AGR/Q0807 Sector Skill Council Agriculture Skill Council of India Guidelines for Assessment 1. Criteria for assessment for each Qualification Pack will be created by the Sector Skill Council. Each Performance Criteria (PC) will be assigned marks proportional to its importance in NOS. SSC will also lay down proportion of marks for Theory and Skills Practical for each PC 2. The assessment for the theory part will be based on knowledge bank of questions created by the SSC 3. Individual assessment agencies will create unique question papers for theory part for each candidate at each examination/training center (as per assessment criteria below) 4. Individual assessment agencies will create unique evaluations for skill practical for every student at each examination/training center based on this criteria 5. To pass the Qualification Pack, every trainee should score a minimum of 50% in aggregate 6. In case of successfully passing only certain number of NOS's, the trainee is eligible to take subsequent assessment on the balance NOS's to pass the Qualification Pack Marks Allocation Assessment outcomes 1. AGR/N0820: Carry out nursery chores PC1. Assessment criteria for outcomes identify plants and their varieties, the right areas to place them in the nursery depending on their properties and inspect them to assess quality Total Marks Out Of Theory Skills Practical 4 1 3 PC2. identify and carry out sorting of quality seeds and ensure temporary storage of seeds in proper condition 3 1 2 PC3. PC4. select and use nursery tools for different nursery operations 3 1 2 maintain the cleanliness of the nursery at all times 3 1 2 PC5. select good quality seeds 3 1 2 PC6. select poly bags of appropriate size and specifications 3 1 2 Page 21
Qualifications Pack of Nursery Worker PC7. plant seeds in the poly bags/root trainer cups to aid in the cultivation of young plants 4 1 3 PC8. carry out timely sowing of the seeds 4 1 3 PC9. prepare the land and make germination beds as per specification 3 1 2 PC10. place the seeds in the germination medium and cover with coir mat/gunny bags PC11. water the germination beds to maintain optimum moisture using hand tools and gardening tools PC12. select the best quality germinated seeds, tie and wrap them and ensure transportation without damage PC13. count the no: of seeds that have germinated so as to assess mortality rate 3 1 2 4 1 3 3 1 2 3 1 2 PC14. carry out timely weeding and ensure undesirable seedlings are removed 4 1 3 PC15. carry out fertilizer application as per instructions received 3 1 2 PC16. carry out safe handling, storage and disposal of fertilizers 3 1 2 PC17. identify and control insects and rodents through application of pesticides as per instructions received 4 1 3 PC18. provide shade to regulate sun light to growing plants 4 1 3 PC19. carry out harvesting of plants at the right stage and transplant or pot and label them PC20. dip cut flowers into disinfectant, count them into bunches, and place them in boxes to prepare them for storage and transportation 3 1 2 4 1 3 Page 22
Qualifications Pack of Nursery Worker PC21. operate and maintain machineries required to cultivate, harvest and spray plants and fields PC22. propagate new plants by grafting and other measures as per the instructions received PC23. carry out inspection of plants for any growth related issues during the growth period 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 PC24. carry out watering of plants as and when required 3 1 2 PC25. carry out application of growth regulators as per the instructions received PC26. carry out trimming and pruning of plants and trees whenever required as per instructions received 4 1 3 3 1 2 PC27. assist in the designing aspects of greenhouse 3 1 2 PC28. monitor the drip irrigation systems in the greenhouse 4 1 3 PC29. monitor the growth of plants (flowers, vegetables or fruits) grown in the greenhouse 3 1 2 PC30. assist in maintaining the sunlight and other conditions in the greenhouse 3 1 2 2. AGR/N0821: Carry out maintenance of nursery PC1. PC2. PC3. PC4. PC5. monitor proper drainage in the nursery and minimize over exploitation of water in irrigation 100 100 30 70 10 3 7 carry out waste water treatment in an adequate manner, as per instructions 10 3 7 control epidemic by destroying sources of mosquito breeding 10 3 7 carry out prescribed use of fertilizers/chemicals as per instructions 10 3 7 record information about plants and plant growth 10 3 7 Page 23
Qualifications Pack of Nursery Worker PC6. keep a record of gardening tools and equipment and clean and care for them to keep them in good condition. 10 3 7 PC7. PC8. provide information on care of plants when required 10 3 7 maintain inventory, and order materials as required 10 3 7 PC9. adhere to planting and care schedules PC10. manage various nursery waste material/ disposal and how to make use of it for composting/vermicomposting 10 3 7 10 3 7 100 30 70 3. AGR/N9903 Maintain health and safety at the workplace PC1. undertake basic safety checks before operation of all machinery and vehicles and report all potential hazards to the supervisor 100 6 2 4 PC2. identify work for which protective clothing or equipment is required and perform those duties in accordance with workplace policy 7 2 5 PC3. read and understand the hazards of use and contamination mentioned on the labels of pesticides/fumigants, etc. 7 2 5 PC4. assess risks prior to performing manual handling jobs, and work according to currently recommended safe practices 7 2 5 PC5. use equipment and materials safely and correctly and return the same to designated storage when not in use 7 2 5 PC6. dispose off waste safely and correctly in a designated area 6 2 4 PC7. PC8. recognize risks to bystanders and take action to reduce risk associated with jobs in the workplace perform work in a manner which minimizes environmental damage all procedures and ensure work instructions for controlling risks are followed closely 7 2 5 7 2 5 Page 24
Qualifications Pack of Nursery Worker PC9. report any accidents, incidents or problems without delay to an appropriate person and take necessary immediate action to reduce further danger 7 2 5 PC10. follow procedures for dealing with accidents, fires and emergencies, including communicating location and directions for emergency evacuation PC11. follow emergency procedures to company standard / workplace requirements PC12. use emergency equipment in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and workplace requirements PC13. provide treatment appropriate to the patient's injuries in accordance with recognized first aid techniques PC14. recover (if practical), clean, inspect/test, refurbish, replace and store the first aid equipment as appropriate PC15. report details of first aid administered in accordance with workplace procedures. 7 2 5 6 2 4 7 2 5 7 2 5 6 2 4 6 2 4 100 30 70 Page 25