Agro Head - North Gujarat

Key Responsibilities

1. Potato Contract Farming

• Develop and execute the annual potato contract farming plan based on requirements.
• Identify, onboard and maintain relationships with suitable growers.
• Ensure timely farmer registration, acreage planning, seed booking and crop planning.
• Monitor contracted acreage and expected crop production throughout the season.

2. Crop Production & Agronomy

• Guide farmers on seed selection, planting, fertilizer schedules, irrigation, spray programs and harvesting practices.
• Monitor crop health and take corrective action against pest, disease, weather and other crop-related challenges.
• Ensure implementation of recommended agricultural practices to achieve required yield and quality.
• Conduct regular field visits and provide technical consultancy to growers.

3. Potato Procurement & Supply

• Plan and execute potato procurement according to requirements.
• Ensure timely harvesting, collection, transportation and delivery of potatoes to the plant and customers.
• Maintain continuity of raw-material supply and minimize shortages during production.
• Coordinate with Plant, Procurement, Quality, Stores and Production teams for smooth material movement.

4. Seed Management

• Prepare potato seed requirement and booking plan for the season.
• Ensure timely distribution of quality seed to contracted growers.
• Maintain proper records of seed allocation, distribution and farmer-wise utilization.
• Monitor seed performance and take corrective action where required.

5. Cold Storage Management

• Monitor cold storage operations and ensure proper storage conditions for potatoes.
• Ensure adherence to prescribed storage parameters and organizational guidelines.
• Coordinate timely movement of potatoes from cold storage to plant as per requirement.
• Minimize storage losses, deterioration and quality rejection.

6. Quality Management

• Ensure potatoes supplied to the plant & customers meet defined quality specifications.
• Monitor grading, quality inspection and rejection levels.
• Coordinate with the Quality and Plant teams to address quality issues at source.
• Ensure proper precautions during harvesting, handling, transportation and grading.

7. Farmer Relationship & Development

• Build strong and long-term relationships with growers.
• Conduct farmer training and awareness programs on modern agricultural practices.
• Motivate farmers to adopt digitalization and improved farming practices.
• Resolve farmer-related operational issues in coordination with Management.

8. Team Leadership

• Lead, guide and mentor the Agro/field team.
• Allocate field responsibilities and monitor individual/team performance.
• Conduct regular reviews and provide training to subordinate staff.
• Ensure effective field coverage and timely reporting.

9. Supply Chain & Coordination

• Prepare crop availability and procurement forecasts.
• Coordinate dispatch and delivery plans with the team.
• Ensure timely unloading of vehicles, preferably within the defined hours target.
• Monitor movement of potatoes from farmer collection/storage plant/customer.

10. Compliance, Safety & Hygiene

• Ensure compliance with company agro practices, food-safety requirements and applicable regulations.
• Ensure safety and hygiene standards are followed during harvesting, handling, storage and transportation.
• Maintain required records, reports and documentation.