Farm Manager (Intensive Berry Production)

Plantopia Farms Pvt Ltd

senior, full-time, on-site

Key Responsibilities:

• Production Planning:

  Develop and execute comprehensive annual and seasonal production plans, scheduling planting, harvesting, and crop rotation to maximize yield and efficiency.

• Substrate & Fertigation Management:

  Oversee and optimize all aspects of

  substrate hydroponic systems

  , including rigorous management of nutrient solutions, irrigation scheduling, and water quality to maintain peak plant health and fruiting.

• Environmental Control:

  Directly manage the climate control, protective structures, and energy usage within the facility to ensure optimal growing conditions in the Kotagiri environment.

• Team Leadership:

  Recruit, train, mentor, and manage a diverse team of supervisors, technical staff, and farm laborers, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and excellence.

• SOP Development:

  Create, document, and enforce

  Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

  for all critical farm activities, including harvesting, packing, crop maintenance, and sanitation.

• Budgeting & Inventory:

  Manage the operational budget, control costs, and oversee inventory for consumables, fertilizers, substrates, and plant stock.

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM):

  Implement and lead a robust

  Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM)

  program, focusing on proactive scouting, biological controls, and judicious chemical use to ensure zero residue and maximum fruit quality.

• Quality Assurance:

  Establish and monitor stringent

  post-harvest quality management

  procedures to ensure berries meet premium market specifications for taste, firmness, size, and shelf life.

• Efficiency & Innovation:

  Drive farm efficiency through the evaluation and implementation of new technologies, automation, and horticultural techniques to reduce labor input and increase yield and sustainability.

Required:

• Minimum of

  five (5) years of progressive experience

  in high-value horticultural production, with at least

  two (2) years in a farm management or senior supervisory role

  .
• Demonstrated expertise in the

  intensive commercial production of berries

  (blueberries, raspberries, and/or strawberries), especially within controlled environments or substrate systems.
• Expert-level knowledge of

  substrate hydroponic growing principles

  , including complex nutrient management and water chemistry.
• Proven ability to lead, manage, and motivate large farm teams effectively.
• Strong organizational skills, with experience in developing and implementing

  SOPs, budgets, and quality control systems

  .
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in

  Horticulture, Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering

  , or a closely related field.

Highly Desired:

• Experience managing production systems requiring

  climate control or protective structures

  .
• Familiarity with the challenges and opportunities of farming in the

  Nilgiris region

  or similar subtropical/high-altitude areas.
• Certification or specialized training in IPM or sustainable agriculture practices.