Senior Agronomist
Eeki, a pioneering agri-tech startup, incorporates their proprietary technologies and expert know-how of modern farming practices to grow high-quality staple vegetables while upholding high standards of sustainability. Our patented growing technology makes farming sustainable and climate proof, enabling year-round cultivation. Eeki farms deliver 18 times per acre yield as compared to traditional farming on even barren or unused lands at the similar cost, using 80% less water. Our automation operations enable seamless control of climate, irrigation, and nutrition through a cloud-based platform.
We have set up large-scale, climate-proof farms equipped with our proprietary growing chambers that do not use any growing media or pesticides to grow high-quality vegetables. These vegetables are tasty, nutritious, pesticide-free, and affordable for the general public. We are a team of over 400+ like-minded individuals working towards a shared vision and are looking for more individuals to join us in this revolution.Eeki has raised a total of approximately 150 Cr with the plan of raising another 250 Cr in the next year and has already established 70 acres of farms across Rajasthan. Eeki is targeting 500 acres within next two years in India and Middle East with a total investment around of above 500 Cr.In next 4 years Eeki plans to setup 1800 acres across different geographies of India to growing staple residue-free vegetables and make them available to all strata of society.
Job Title: Senior Agronomist
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 Head of Ops.
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.
Location: This is a full-time position based out of Kota, Rajasthan, with a salary based on the candidate's skills and experience.
If you or someone you know fits this role, please drop your resume at [email protected]
Come join us and make a vital contribution to growing nutritious vegetables!