Senior Agronomist Required at Eeki Foods

Job Role: Senior Agronomist

Employer: Eeki Foods

Role Overview:

Eeki is looking for a passionate and experienced Senior Agronomist to join our innovative team. In this role, you will lead our research efforts and drive the development of cutting-edge hydroponic farming techniques. You will work closely with our R&D and farm teams to ensure optimal crop growth, high-quality produce, and efficient farming practices.

You will be reporting directly to the Zonal Head of Ops. Zonal Head will be maintaining 40Ha and expandable to 100Ha of land.

Responsibilities:

● Research & Innovation

● Identify key research areas and explore innovative technologies to improve hydroponic systems.

● Drive the development of new hydroponic technologies and farming methods.

● Crop Management & Monitoring

● Conduct weekly crop scouting and implement data-driven decisions to optimize growth and yield.

● Ensure crop scheduling is managed effectively to meet production goals.

● Introduce new, climate-suitable crop varieties.

● Oversee biological pest management and implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Integrated Disease Management (IDM).

● Technology & Project Management

● Lead the adoption of new technologies and equipment to enhance operational efficiency.

● Oversee the design, planning, and execution of projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.

● Implement corrective actions, such as reallocating resources or adjusting timelines, if targets are not met.

● Team Leadership

● Lead, train, and manage a multidisciplinary team including data analysts, farm operations personnel, plant physiologists, pathologists, and entomologists.

● Foster a culture of innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

● Standards & Compliance

● Ensure adherence to scientific standards and regulatory requirements, including GAP (Good Agricultural Practices).

● Design and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for plant care and maintenance.

● Ensure proper hygiene and safety practices across all farm sites.

● Performance & Documentation

● Monitor project timelines, deliverables, and budgets to ensure research milestones and product development goals are achieved.

● Maintain comprehensive documentation of all trial studies and research activities.

● Stay updated on the latest industry trends, scientific advancements, and best practices.

Required skills and qualifications:

● Master’s degree in Biology/ Plant Science/ Plant Physiology/ Agricultural Engineering or a related field.

● Extensive expertise in plant physiology, hydroponic systems, protected cultivation, or advanced agricultural technologies.

● Proficient in data analytics, AI, and automation technologies within agriculture.

● Familiarity with regulatory standards and sustainable farming practices.

● Strong connections within the academic and agricultural research communities.

● Minimum of 15 years of experience in protected vegetable cultivation, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.

● Candidates having work exp in tropical/hot/humid climate for example South East Asia, Middle East, Mexico, Africa and Australia are preferred.

● Exceptional leadership, communication, and project management abilities.

● Willingness to travel weekly to farm sites across India.