Programme Specialist - Agriculture Horticulture

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About the Organization

Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (India) is a non-denominational, non-government development organization. AKRSP(I) works as a catalyst for the betterment of rural communities by providing direct support to local communities. AKRSP(I) is active in over 3255 villages of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Maharashtra. It has impacted lives of over 3.5 million people from marginalised sections of society. Over 80% of the households impacted by AKRSP(I)'s work belong to marginalised communities like tribals, dalits, and minorities. Over 60% of beneficiaries are women who form a core group for program interventions.

Job Description

The Agriculture Programme Specialist will be responsible for overall planning, execution, and monitoring of agriculture-Horticulture based livelihood interventions in the project region. The role includes promoting sustainable farming practices, crop diversification, mobilization and capacity building of farmers, strengthening FPOs, facilitating key activities under irrigation systems, soil and water conservation, ensuring convergence with government programmes for long-term livelihood enhancement of small and marginal farmers. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in agriculture, extensive field experience, and a passion for sustainable development practices.

Job Responsibilities

Programme Implementation & Planning

• Develop long-term, block- and season-specific agriculture & horticulture development plans (Kharif, Rabi, Summer).
• Coordinate with internal project teams and ensure collaborative implementation.
• Promote improved agronomic practices, seed systems, and soil fertility management.
• Facilitate efficient irrigation practices (solar irrigation, drip/sprinkler systems, land levelling).
• Ensure timely supply of quality inputs (seeds, fertilizers, bio-inputs) through SHGs/FPOs.
• Provide technical and strategic guidance to field teams.
• Liaise with donors, government departments, and technical institutions.
• Plan, monitor, and manage agriculture programme budgets.
• Ensure timely, well-documented reporting with field data and evidence.

Sustainable Agriculture & Climate Resilience

• Promote agroforestry, intercropping, and integrated farming systems.
• Build awareness on climate-smart agriculture, crop rotation, and water-use efficiency.
• Facilitate adoption of organic/natural farming practices and document farmer adoption.
• Apply modern techniques such as System of Crop Intensification, IPM, INM, and Conservation Agriculture.

Community Mobilization & Institution Building

• Mobilize farmers into Producer Groups, SHGs, and FPOs.
• Strengthen farmer institutions for crop planning, procurement, and collective marketing.
• Facilitate participatory planning through PRA, crop calendars, and Farmer Field Schools.

Training & Capacity Building

• Design and deliver training modules on crop practices, pest/disease management, and soil health.
• Organize Farmer Field Schools (FFS), demonstrations, and exposure visits.
• Build capacity of para-extension workers and field cadres.
• Develop programme manuals, SoPs, Unit cost of activities and training strategies for staff and communities.

Value Chain Development & Market Linkages

• Facilitate value chain development for key crops (vegetables, pulses, millets).
• Strengthen aggregation, processing, and collective marketing through FPOs/federations.
• Build partnerships with Agri-tech firms, input suppliers, and market players.
• Support farmers in establishing sustainable market linkages.

Monitoring & Reporting

• Maintain village-level data on crop coverage, irrigation, inputs, and yield improvements.
• Track programme outcomes including income growth, productivity, and sustainability.
• Prepare reports, case studies, and success stories for donors and internal use.
• Support in proposal development and documentation of best practices.

Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with government departments (Agriculture, KVKs, ATMA, Universities).
• Facilitate convergence with government schemes and policies.
• Represent AKRSP(I) in agriculture and livelihood forums at block and district levels.

Education Qualification/Required Skills & Experience

• Masters in agriculture / Agricultural Engineering / Rural Development / NRM
• Experience: 5-6 years of experience in agriculture/livelihood projects in rural areas.

Skills & Competencies required

Skills :

• Knowledge of crop management, irrigation technologies, soil & water conservation, and FPO strengthening.
• Experience in working with SHGs, FPOs, and women federation farming systems
• Proficiency in local language and MS Office/Excel.

Preferred Attributes:

• Strong facilitation and community mobilization skills.
• Technical expertise in sustainable agriculture and irrigation systems.
• Value chain development and market linkage understanding.
• Good planning, monitoring, and reporting skills.

For more information please check the Link

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