Job Summary

The primary responsibility of the agronomist will be to provide expert guidance and support to team leader in all crop production related activities, prepare training materials to guide/train farmers, KPAD staff, in order to enhance crop production, improve soil health and resilience of the farming system, sustainable agricultural practices, and address any agronomic challenges that may arise.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare training modules on wheat and rice crop Best Management Practices including land preparation, planting, irrigation scheduling, inter-culture, integrated nutrient and pest management, harvesting, processing and marketing under the changing climatic conditions in KP province
• Collaborate closely with KPAD Extension and Research staff while developing the training modules on different crops for getting the technical inputs and incorporate appropriately
• Get technical endorsement /approval training modules developed under the KP Food Security Support Project from the concerned KPAD department
• Train master trainers on the developed and approved training modules.
• Provide technical expertise on climate resilient variety selection, planting, cultivation, and harvesting practices suitable for the local agro-climatic conditions. Advise on best practices for integrated pest management and disease control to optimize crop yields.
• Guide master trainers to conduct soil assessments and develop soil management plans to improve soil fertility, structure, and health and recommend appropriate soil conservation and integrated nutrient management practices.
• Train Master Trainers and farmers on judicious use of chemical fertilizers using the 4R approach (4R-right time, right source, right rate/quantity, and right place)
• Provide technical expertise on efficient irrigation techniques, water management strategies, and water-saving practices to promote water conservation and reduce water wastage.
• Guide farmers on benefits of using climate adaptive certified seed and provide recommendation on alternate source of fertilizers/crop nutrients, integrated nutrient management and crop rotations (through inclusion of legumes in cropping system).
• Conduct training sessions and workshops for trainers and farmers to disseminate knowledge on modern agronomic practices, crop-specific techniques, and sustainable agricultural methods, seed cleaning and storage practices at household level to preserve quality.

• Collect, analyze, and interpret data related to crop performance, soil quality, and other agronomic parameters. Prepare comprehensive reports with actionable recommendations for implementation.
• Promote crop rotation and diversification to improve soil health, reduce pest and disease pressure, and enhance overall agricultural resilience.
• Advise on climate-resilient agricultural practices to cope with climate change impacts.
• Support KPAD Extension and Research directorates in modern seed breeding, production and multiplication technologies by connecting them with National and International organizations to get expert advice
• Organize exposure visits of KPAD staff to seed farms located in Sahiwal, Khanewal, Lahore (Punjab) and other regions of the country for training and cross learning.
• Any other task to be assigned by the Client or ADB in line with the TORs of this assignment and the overall objectives of the project.

Qualification and Experience

• Preferably Post-graduate degree in agronomy, Agriculture, natural science or equivalent qualification in a similar field.
• Preferably Seven-year of experience in agronomy, agribusiness, agriculture research, crop management, soil health, capacity building of farmers/agriculture related community.
• Previous experience in development of training modules for agriculture related training.
• The expert having experience of being a part of the similar project in Pakistan, particularly the province of KP would be an advantage.

This role is subject to the award of Project.