Officer – Agri Value Chain & Market Linkage (FPOs)

An Agri Business Expert in this role plays a crucial part in ensuring that multiple Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) with diverse crops achieve profitability and contribute to the sustainable development of the agricultural sector in the region. Candidates should be knowledgeable about agricultural practices, market dynamics, and financial management, and possess strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with multiple FPCs and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Crop Planning and Diversification: Develop crop plans for each FPC based on market demand, soil conditions, and climate. Encourage crop diversification to reduce risk and enhance income opportunities.
• Market Research and Analysis: Stay updated on market trends, pricing, and demand for various crops. Provide insights to FPCs to make informed decisions on crop selection.
• Supply Chain Management: Optimize the supply chain by improving logistics, storage, and transportation to ensure timely delivery of produce to markets or processing units.
• Financial Management: Assist in financial planning, budgeting, and access to credit facilities. Monitor the financial health of each FPC and implement strategies for cost reduction and increased revenue.
• Technology Adoption: Promote the use of modern farming technologies, such as precision agriculture, IoT, and data analytics, to improve crop productivity and efficiency.
• Quality Assurance: Implement quality control measures to ensure that crops meet required standards. Facilitate certifications like IPM or Fair Trade when applicable.
• Training and Capacity Building: Organize buyer-seller meets and workshops for FPOs to enhance business skills, including crop management and sustainable farming practices.
• Market Linkages: Establish partnerships with buyers, exporters, and processors to secure better market access for FPC members. Negotiate favorable contracts and prices, and build input and output market linkages with minimum support price.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks related to crop production, weather events, and market fluctuations. Develop risk management strategies and insurance options for FPCs.
• Policy Advocacy: Stay informed about agricultural policies and advocate for policies that benefit FPCs and smallholder farmers. Engage with government agencies and industry associations.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of crop production, financial transactions, and other relevant data. Generate reports for stakeholders, including FPC members and regulatory authorities.
• Networking and Collaboration: Build relationships with agricultural experts, research institutions, NGOs, and development agencies to access knowledge and resources for FPC development.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuously monitor the performance of each FPC, assess the impact of interventions, and adjust strategies as needed to achieve set goals.

Apply If you have:

Qualifications:

• A BSc/MSc degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agro-Forestry, or a related field, or an MBA in Agribusiness, Rural Management, Rural Development, or an equivalent degree from a recognized university/institute.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in Agri Marketing, Value Chain Development, or Business Development, FPO management, and working with FPOs, large-scale Farmers Groups, or SHG programs.

Essential Skills and Competencies:

• Fluency in both verbal and written English and Hindi; proficiency in a local language (Marathi) is an added advantage.
• Good knowledge of email and office software such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience in agriculture-processed product development, branding, and packaging, as we'll as B2B and B2C marketing.
• An understanding and application of sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices to conserve natural resources and promote environmental stewardship.