Consultant (ARC Technician)

The International Potato Center (CIP) is a global,non-profit research organization that works to improve food security, nutrition, and incomes in developing countries through research and innovation in root and tuber crops—primarily potatoes and sweet potatoes . The International Potato Center (CIP) seeks to recruit a dynamic Consultant (ARC Technician) for Apical Rooted Cutting production for the West Bengal Project: ‘Developing local Seed Potato Production System in West Bengal’ .The Consultant will be responsible for planning, implementing, and managing ARC production in the polyhouse and field. The role ensures the maintenance of high-quality ARC production from tissue cultures plantlets and compliance with phytosanitary standards. The selected Consultant will be based at Mohit Nagar, West Bengal . 1. Plant Material Preparation and Maintenance Maintain polyhouse, screenhouse, sprayer, trays, sharp cutting items in optimal working condition Prepare and maintain healthy mother plants for apical cutting production. Regularly prune and manage plants to ensure optimal shoot growth for cuttings. Monitor environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, light) in the propagation area and take corrective action Optimize the mother plant management protocol. 2. Cutting Preparation and Rooting Select and prepare apical cuttings following standardized protocols. Treat cuttings with rooting agents (if applicable) and plant them in appropriate substrates. Maintain consistent watering, humidity, and temperature to promote uniform rooting. 3. Pest and Disease Management Inspect plants and propagation materials for pests or diseases. Apply integrated pest management (IPM) practices and maintain hygiene standards in the production area. Ensure sanitation of tools, equipment, and propagation units. 4. Documentation and Inventory Control Ensure proper documentation of all greenhouse activities , inventory control, and database updates. Maintain detailed records of plant batches, rooting success rates, and distribution. Track supplies and request materials proactively to avoid shortages. 5. Quality Control and Reporting Conduct regular checks to ensure uniformity and quality of rooted cuttings. Record growth data and report deviations or issues to supervisors. Participate in continuous improvement of ARC production protocols.