Farm Manager

Company Overview

Plantopia Farms Pvt Ltd
is a leading agricultural firm with specialized, high-tech production facilities in
Kotagiri, The Nilgiris
. We are dedicated to the intensive, substrate-based cultivation of premium soft fruits. We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Farm Manager to oversee all aspects of our sophisticated berry operations and drive continuous improvement and profitability.

The Role: Farm Manager

This is a
senior, full-time, on-site
leadership position based at our production facility in
Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu
. The Farm Manager will hold full operational authority for the farm, ensuring the high-volume, high-quality production of our core berry crops:
blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries
. This role combines technical expertise with critical managerial responsibilities to achieve world-class operational efficiency and yield targets.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operations & Technical Management

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

3. 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.

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

5. People & Resource Management

6. 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.

7. SOP Development:
   Create, document, and enforce
   Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
   for all critical farm activities, including harvesting, packing, crop maintenance, and sanitation.

8. Budgeting & Inventory:
   Manage the operational budget, control costs, and oversee inventory for consumables, fertilizers, substrates, and plant stock.

9. Quality, Health, & Innovation

10. 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.

11. 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.
12. 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.

Qualifications

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.