Qualification Level: TESDA NC I – Sustainable Plantation Management
Crop Focus: Agarwood (Aquilaria spp.)
Objective: Ensure safe handling of tools, inoculants, and organic inputs while maintaining hygiene and high resin quality
I. PRINCIPLES
- Safety first – Protect personnel from physical injury and microbial exposure.
- Hygiene prevents contamination – Proper sanitation reduces disease spread and maintains soil and plant health.
- Quality control ensures value – Standardized practices improve resin consistency, purity, and market acceptability.
II. SAFETY PROTOCOLS
| Hazard | Control Measures |
|---|---|
| Mechanical injuries (drills, knives, saws) | Use gloves, protective clothing, safety glasses; proper tool handling training |
| Exposure to fungi/biofertilizers | Wear gloves and masks; avoid inhalation or skin contact with concentrated inoculants |
| Chemical residues (if any permitted organic inputs) | Read labels; use correct doses; wash hands and equipment after use |
| Falls or slips (wet fields, uneven terrain) | Wear non-slip footwear; clear pathways; maintain awareness |
| Electrical hazards (irrigation pumps) | Ground equipment; keep water away from electrical sources; follow lockout/tagout procedures |
III. HYGIENE PROTOCOLS
- Tool sanitation
- Clean and disinfect tools before and after use with 70% alcohol or 1% sodium hypochlorite solution
- Worksite hygiene
- Remove fallen leaves, debris, or diseased plant material from plantation
- Avoid cross-contamination between trees
- Personal hygiene
- Wash hands before and after handling inoculants or soil
- Change gloves and boots between contaminated areas
IV. QUALITY CONTROL MEASURES
| Focus Area | Practices |
|---|---|
| Tree selection | Use healthy, disease-free, and appropriate-age trees for inoculation |
| Inoculant preparation | Follow SOP for fungal culture, mixing, and storage; avoid expired or contaminated cultures |
| Application protocols | Correct dose, proper sealing, and minimal wounding |
| Post-inoculation care | Proper irrigation, mulching, and pest management to ensure resin development |
| Monitoring & record-keeping | Track tree ID, inoculation method, date, fungal strain, and tree response |
Key Principle: Quality control is continuous – it starts before inoculation and continues until resin harvesting.
V. INTEGRATION WITH ORGANIC AND SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
- Ensure biofertilizers and organic amendments are applied according to label and SOP
- Maintain soil and plant hygiene to support beneficial microbial populations
- Prevent contamination from pests, disease, or excessive chemical inputs
- Use monitoring records to verify effectiveness and trace quality
VI. BEST PRACTICES
- Pre-plan all operations – ensure all tools, inoculants, and PPE are ready
- Follow a hygiene routine – tool disinfection, site cleanliness, and personal hygiene
- Train workers – for correct inoculation techniques and safety procedures
- Document everything – tree selection, inoculation, amendments, irrigation, and monitoring
- Inspect resin – check for fungal contamination or structural defects before harvest
VII. TESDA NC I PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Learner must demonstrate ability to:
- Follow safety protocols while handling tools, inoculants, and organic inputs
- Maintain hygiene in nursery and field operations
- Implement quality control during inoculation, post-care, and monitoring
- Record and analyze data to ensure consistent resin quality
VIII. FARMER-FRIENDLY CHECKLIST
☐ Wear gloves, protective clothing, and masks when handling inoculants
☐ Sanitize tools before and after use
☐ Keep worksite clean; remove diseased plant material
☐ Apply inoculants and amendments according to SOP
☐ Monitor trees regularly for resin formation and health
☐ Maintain accurate records for traceability and quality control
Key Takeaway: Adhering to safety, hygiene, and quality control protocols protects workers, maintains soil and tree health, and ensures high-value, contaminant-free Agarwood resin, supporting both farm productivity and marketability.