Technical Horticulturist

Job Description Company Overview Plantopia Farms Pvt Ltd is a leading agricultural firm based in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, with specialized, production facilities in Kotagiri, The Nilgiris. We are at the forefront of intensive soft fruit cultivation, dedicated to producing premium berries for the Indian market. Join our team in Kotagiri, pioneering advanced cultivation solutions for high-value crops. The Role: Berry Production Specialist This is a full-time, on-site role, based at our specialized production facility in Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu. The Berry Production Specialist will be the core technical expert, driving the successful development, implementation, and optimization of best-in-class horticultural practices for our intensive soft fruit cultivation systems. You will be directly responsible for the health, quality, and high-volume yield of our berry crops, including blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries, ensuring world-class production standards are met consistently. 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. Qualifications 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. -