Technical Horticulturist (Berry Production Specialist)

Plantopia Farms Pvt Ltd

full-time, on-site

blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries

Key Responsibilities:

• Intensive Crop Management:

  Develop, implement, and rigorously manage all growing protocols specifically for

  commercial soft fruit production

  to ensure the timely and high-volume release of premium-quality berries.

• Substrate Hydroponics Expertise:

  Act as the primary technical specialist for all

  substrate hydroponic growing

  systems, managing nutrient solutions, water quality, and troubleshooting related issues to maintain optimal crop performance.

• IPDM for Soft Fruits:

  Oversee and execute

  Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM)

  strategies specifically tailored for sensitive berry crops, ensuring minimal loss and high fruit quality.

• Environmental Control:

  Manage all aspects of

  climate control and fertigation

  within the greenhouse and protective structures relevant to berry cultivation in the Kotagiri environment.

• Team Leadership & Training:

  Train, mentor, and supervise all levels of staff involved in the berry production system, promoting a culture of technical excellence and consistent adherence to quality standards.

• Crop Physiology:

  Apply a strong understanding of

  plant physiology

  as it relates to berry fruiting, dormancy, and development to continuously optimize yield, taste, and shelf life.

Required:

• Minimum of

  two (2) years of demonstrated, hands-on experience

  in a technical horticultural or agronomist role, preferably with soft fruits or high-value crops.

• Thorough and essential understanding of substrate hydroponic growing

  and the management of associated issues (e.g., nutrient solution balancing, pH, EC management).

• Direct experience with the commercial production of berries

  (blueberries, raspberries, and/or strawberries).
• Demonstrated expertise in

  plant health management

  , including effective pest and disease prevention and control strategies specific to berry crops.
• Solid foundation in

  plant physiology

  as it relates to commercial plant growth, development, and environmental stress.
• Bachelor’s degree in

  Horticulture, Agriculture, Agronomy

  , or a closely related field.

Highly Desired:

• Proven experience in a

  leadership or supervisory position

  within a commercial fruit or horticultural production setting.
• Familiarity with cultivation practices in the

  Nilgiris region

  or other subtropical/high-altitude environments.