Tips

The Agricultural Machinery Operation NC II Qualification  by TESDA equips individuals with the skills needed to efficiently operate various types of agricultural machinery and equipment. This certification is designed for those aiming to work as Agricultural Machinery Operators, Tractor Operators, or specialists in post-harvest and production machinery. It ensures operators are proficient in handling both small and large-scale agricultural production equipment.

Also read: TESDA Agricultural Crops Production Courses

With this qualification, individuals can confidently manage equipment used in different stages of agricultural processes, from production to post-production. It emphasizes safety, efficiency, and technical knowledge, empowering operators to contribute to modern, mechanized farming practices effectively.

Benefits

This Agricultural Machinery Operation NC II Course by TESDA offers several benefits, including:

• Enhancing your skills to operate a wide range of agricultural machinery, from small to large production equipment.
• Increasing your employability in agriculture-related fields, such as machinery operation for farming, harvesting, and post-production processes.
• Gaining expertise in handling modern agricultural technology, making you a valuable asset to employers.
• Supporting career growth by equipping you with specialized technical knowledge and practical experience.
• Contributing to more efficient and productive agricultural practices, benefiting both your career and the industry as a whole.

Units of Competency

The Units of Competency comprising this:

Basic Competencies

• Participate in workplace communication
• Work in team environment
• Practice career professionalism
• Practice occupational health and safety procedures

Common Competencies

• Apply Safety Measures in Farm Operations
• Use Farm Tools and Equipment
• Perform Estimation and Basic Calculation

Core Competencies

• Operate agricultural small production machinery and equipment
• Operate agricultural large production machinery and equipment
• Operate agricultural post-production machinery and equipment

Sample of Certificate of Completion

Career Opportunities

A person with this Qualification is competent to:

• Agricultural Machinery Operator
• Agricultural Tractor Operator
• Agricultural Post-harvest Machinery Operator
• Agricultural Production Machinery Operator

Training Duration

• 20 hrs – Basic Competencies
• 72 hrs – Common Competencies
• 192 hrs – Core Competencies

Total: 284 hrs

Qualifications

Trainees or students who wish to enroll in this course must meet the following requirements:

• Ability to read and write.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Basic arithmetic skills (proficiency in the four basic operations).
• Physical fitness (subject to assessment by the training center).

Requirements

To enroll in the TESDA Agricultural Machinery Operation NC II Course, you will need to provide the following documents:

• PSA Birth Certificate
• High School or College Diploma
• Certified True Copy of Official Transcript of Records or Form 137
• Certificate of Good Moral Character or GMRC
• 1 x 1 and/or 2 x 2 pictures

To obtain more information, kindly reach out to the enrollment site that best suits your specific needs. Please note that the specific requirements may vary.

Also read: TESDA Food and Beverage Services Courses

 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the scope of this qualification?

This qualification covers the proper operation and maintenance of agricultural machinery used in various stages of agricultural processes, such as production and post-production.

2. Is there an age limit for enrollment?

There is no specific age requirement, but trainees must be physically fit to participate in the training.

3. Are there opportunities for employment after completing this course?

Yes, individuals with this qualification can have career opportunities as Agricultural Machinery Operators, Tractor Operators, or specialists in post-harvest and production machinery.

4. Can I take this course even if I don’t have a background in agriculture?

Yes, but it is recommended to have basic knowledge or interest in agriculture and machinery operation to fully benefit from the course.

Summary

The Agricultural Machinery Operation NC II course by TESDA provides individuals with essential skills and knowledge for efficient and safe operation of agricultural machinery. It offers various benefits, including career growth opportunities and contribution to modern, mechanized farming practices. With the right qualifications and training, individuals can have a successful career as an Agricultural Machinery Operator or specialist in the agriculture industry. If you are interested in this course, reach out to your nearest enrollment site for more information.

Contact Information

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
Office Address: BLDG 8, TESDA Gate 2, TESDA Complex, East Service Rd., South Superhighway, Taguig, Metro Manila.
Email Address: contactcenter@tesda.gov.ph
Telephone Number: 8887-7777
SMS Hotline: 0917-479-4370 (text only)
Website: https://www.tesda.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TESDAOfficial

Aquaponic food production is gaining traction as a sustainable and innovative method of growing food. TESDA is leading the way by offering comprehensive online courses on this topic. These courses are designed to provide detailed insights into aquaponics, hydroponics, and aquaculture, setting the foundation for understanding the scientific concepts, techniques, and design principles behind aquaponic food production.

Also read: TESDA iSTAR PROGRAM Online Course

The TESDA Online Program (TOP) equips learners with knowledge about sustainable food production, water quality parameters, and safety practices related to aquaponics. In addition to Aquaponic Food Production, TESDA also offers other free online courses including Agro-Entrepreneurship NC II, Organic Agriculture Production NC II, and Agricultural Crops Production NC II. These courses are part of TESDA’s commitment to promoting agro-entrepreneurship and sustainable farming methods, thus contributing to food security and economic development.

What is Aquaponics?

Aquaponics is a system that combines hydroponics (growing plants in water) and aquaculture (raising fish). Fish waste is treated with microorganisms to convert organic matter into nutrients. The plants absorb these nutrients, and the water is then recirculated to the fish tank.

To learn how to enroll in a course in the TESDA Online Program (TOP), click HERE.

Benefits

Taking the Aquaponic Food Production Course offered by the TESDA Online Program provides several benefits:

• Learn sustainable farming techniques: The course teaches you how to combine aquaculture and hydroponics to create a sustainable and efficient farming system.
• Enhance food production skills: You will acquire knowledge and skills in growing plants and raising fish in a symbiotic environment, leading to increased food production.
• Improve self-sufficiency: By learning how to grow your own food through aquaponics, you can become more self-sufficient and reduce dependency on external food sources.
• Promote environmental sustainability: Aquaponics is an environmentally friendly method of food production that minimizes water usage and eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
• Explore career opportunities: Completing this course can open doors to various career opportunities in sustainable agriculture, aquaponic farming, and related fields.

Overall, the Aquaponic Food Production Course equips you with the knowledge and skills to contribute to sustainable food production and make a positive impact on the environment.

Modules

There are 3 modules covered in Aquaponic Food Production. These modules will help you understand the basic principles of aquaponics, and guide you on how to set up your own aquaponic system.

Module 1: Introduction to Aquaponic Food Production

This module is the essential course for aquaponic food production. Explore aquaponics, hydroponics, and aquaculture, along with key water quality parameters and occupational health and safety practices in aquaponic farming.

UNIT 1: Defining Aquaponics

Lesson 1: What is Aquaponics?

Lesson 2: Applications of Aquaponics

Upon completion of this unit, the learner will possess the ability to:

• Define aquaponics
• List down the benefits and weaknesses of aquaponic systems
• Describe the significance of aquaponics in food security
• Differentiate small-scale and commercial aquaponics

UNIT 2: Components of an Aquaponics System

Lesson 1: Aquaculture Components of Aquaponics

Lesson 2: Hydroponic Components of Aquaponics

Lesson 3: Balancing the Aquaponic Ecosystem

Lesson 4: Biological Components of the Aquaponic Ecosystem

Upon completion of this unit, the learner will possess the ability to:

• Define aquaculture
• Cite two examples of aquaculture techniques
• Define hydroponics
• Cite two examples of hydroponic systems
• Explain how the nitrogen cycle works
• Enumerate the three biological elements in aquaponics

UNIT 3: Establishing Water Quality in Aquaponics

Lesson 1: Compromised Environment

Lesson 2: Water Quality Parameters

Lesson 3: Sources of Culture Water

Lesson 4: Testing Water Before Use

Upon completion of this unit, the learner will possess the ability to:

• List the five water quality parameters in aquaponics
• Describe how water hardness affects the water
• Enumerate the four aquaponic sources of water
• Explain in detail the two methods of altering pH
• Describe the importance of testing water

UNIT 4: Observing Workplace Health and Safety Practices

Lesson 1: OHS Policies and Procedures

Lesson 2: Maintaining a Safe Aquaponics Environment

Lesson 3: Essential Tools and Equipment

Upon completion of this unit, the learner will possess the ability to:

• Define occupational health and safety
• Identify at least three hazards in the farm
• Cite two food safety guidelines
• Enumerate at least three hand tools or equipment

Module 2: Setting up Aquaponics Systems

This module is the core of the aquaponic food production online course. It assumes you have completed the Introduction course. Discover the science of aquaponics, various aquaponic culture techniques, and gain knowledge on designing and constructing the aquaponics unit!

UNIT 1: Comparing Aquaponic Techniques

Lesson 1: Media Bed Technique

Lesson 2: Nutrient Film Technique

Lesson 3: Deep Water Culture Technique

Lesson 4: Assessing the Ideal Aquaponic Technique to Use

Upon completion of this unit, the learner will possess the ability to:

• Describe the dynamics of the three aquaponic techniques
• List the differences between the three aquaponic techniques
• Compare the cost of the three aquaponic techniques
• Describe how aquaponics is a food production system

UNIT 2: Explaining the Biological Components of Aquaponics Systems

Lesson 1: Explaining the Role of Bacteria in Aquaponics

Lesson 2: Discussing Plants in Aquaponics

Lesson 3: Discussing Fish in Aquaponics

Upon completion of this unit, the learner will possess the ability to:

• Describe the function of bacteria in an aquaponics system
• Describe the role of plants in an aquaponics system
• Describe the role of fish in an aquaponics system

UNIT 3: Designing the Aquaponics Unit

Lesson 1: Establishing Aquaponics Set-up Location

Lesson 2: Essential Components of the Aquaponics Unit

Lesson 3: Building the Aquaponics Unit

Upon completion of this unit, the learner will possess the ability to:

• Describe the characteristics of a good set-up location for the aquaponics unit
• Explain the function of each essential component of the aquaponics unit
• Demonstrate the setup of a small-scale aquaponics unit

Module 3: Maintaining Aquaponics Systems

This module focuses on aquaponics system maintenance and management. It covers everything from setting up the aquaponics unit to feeding fish, planting seedlings, and harvesting. Additionally, you’ll explore various applications and integration of aquaponics with other farming systems. Prior completion of the first two modules is required. Get ready to acquire all the skills necessary to become an aquaponic farmer!

UNIT 1: Management of Aquaponics Systems

Lesson 1: Management of Aquaponic Systems

Lesson 2: Plant Management

Lesson 3: Fish Management

Lesson 4: Routine Management

Upon completion of this unit, the learner will possess the ability to:

• List two common practices of aquaponic management
• Demonstrate seedling transplant to media bed
• Describe the staggered stocking technique
• Enumerate three daily routine activities in maintaining the system

UNIT 2: Integrating Aquaponics

Lesson 1: Sustainable Alternatives for Aquaponics

Lesson 2: Small-scale Unit Water Levels

Lesson 3: Integrating with Other Agriculture Techniques

Lesson 4: Small-scale Aquaponics in Southeast Asia

Upon completion of this unit, the learner will possess the ability to:

• List at least two sustainable alternatives in aquaponics
• Describe the dynamics of water level management in aquaponics
• Describe how aquaponics integrate with similar agriculture techniques
• Describe similar aquaponic practices in nearby Southeast Asia countries

Note: Upon completion of each module or specific modules, you will receive a certificate to acknowledge and showcase your expertise in the subject matter. These certificates serve as a testament to your commitment to continuous learning.

Also read: TESDA Fish Finder Equipment Servicing Level III Course

Tips for Aquaponic Food Production

Simple tips for aquaponic food production:

1. Regularly test and monitor water parameters like pH, ammonia, and nitrate levels to ensure a healthy environment for fish and plants.
2. Select fish species well-suited for aquaponics, such as tilapia or trout. Likewise, choose plants that thrive in nutrient-rich water, like lettuce or herbs.
3. Maintain a proper fish-to-plant ratio for adequate nutrient supply and waste management.
4. Ensure plants receive enough light for photosynthesis using artificial lighting or placing the system in a location with sufficient sunlight.
5. Continuously monitor and adjust the system, including feeding fish, maintaining water temperature, and pruning or harvesting plants.

Start small and gradually expand your aquaponic setup as you gain experience. Enjoy aquaponic food production!

Video: Growing Fish and Vegetables Together! AQUAPONICS SYSTEMS | Aquaponic Farming Setup Beginners Guide.

In this video, you will learn all about Aquaponics Systems and how to set up an Aquaponic Farming system. This is a comprehensive guide for beginners, so if you are just getting started with aquaponics, then this video is perfect for you.

Summary

Aquaponic food production is gaining popularity as a sustainable method of growing food. TESDA in the Philippines offers comprehensive online courses on aquaponics, hydroponics, and aquaculture. These courses provide detailed insights into the scientific concepts and design principles behind aquaponic food production. The TESDA Online Program (TOP) also offers other free courses related to sustainable farming methods and agro-entrepreneurship. With three modules covering the basics, set-up, and maintenance of aquaponics systems, learners can acquire the necessary skills to become successful aquaponic farmers.