Agriculture Expert

Job Description: Agriculture Expert

Role Overview:

We are seeking a highly skilled and passionate Agriculture Expert to lead agricultural development initiatives in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The ideal candidate will be a technical leader responsible for driving innovation in farming practices, supporting small/marginal farmers, and ensuring the successful implementation of sustainable agricultural technologies on the ground. This role requires a blend of field-based technical guidance and organizational management to uplift rural livelihoods.

Core Responsibilities:

· FPO Formation & Training: Spearhead the formation, registration, and capacity building of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), enabling small farmers to achieve collective bargaining power.

· Technology Transfer: Act as the primary bridge between the project and KVKs (Krishi Vigyan Kendras) to bring advanced farming techniques directly to the field.

· Modern Farming Systems: Provide hands-on guidance in Integrated Farming Systems (IFS)—promoting multi-cropping, fish-cum-duck farming, and vegetable cultivation to ensure risk-mitigation for farmers.

· Water & Irrigation Management: Implement and provide technical oversight for drip irrigation projects, water-saving trenches, and soil moisture conservation techniques.

· Livestock & Allied Activities: Manage training programs for livestock development (goat/dairy/poultry), mushroom production, and beekeeping to create sustainable secondary income streams for landless and small farmers.

· Sustainable Practices: Promote climate-resilient agriculture, including the cultivation of climate-appropriate crops like millets and the adoption of organic farming methods.

· Field Research & Reporting: Conduct site-specific surveys, monitor project impact, and provide technical reports for NABARD-funded FSPF (Farm Sector Promotion Fund) or related interventions.

Skills and Qualifications:

· Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, or a closely related field.

· Experience: Minimum 5-7 years of field experience in rural development, agricultural extension, or farm management.

· Technical Knowledge: Proven expertise in drip irrigation, Integrated Farming Systems (IFS), livestock management, and micro-entrepreneurship (mushroom/beekeeping).

· Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both Hindi and English for effective farmer training and reporting.

· Analytical Skills: Ability to assess soil health, crop patterns, and market potential for local produce.

· Interpersonal: Ability to lead training camps, conduct community mobilization, and work effectively with FPO members and stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

· Prior Experience with NABARD Projects: Candidates with demonstrable prior experience in implementing NABARD-funded projects (such as Watershed, FPO, SHG, or FSPF programs) will be given significant preference.

· NGO/Rural Development Background: Experience working with grassroots-level NGOs or in rural development projects within Jharkhand or similar agro-climatic regions.

Job Details:

· Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

· Salary: ₹25,000 – ₹35,000 per month

· Location: Ranchi, Jharkhand

· Schedule: Day shift

· Reporting To: Project Manager / Senior Operations Head

Pay: ₹25,000.00 - ₹35,000.00 per month

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, or a closely related field?
• Do you have at least 5 years of professional experience in agricultural extension, farm management, or rural development?

Location:

• Ranchi, Jharkhand (Required)

Work Location: In person