Job Title: Coffee Plantation Manager Coffee Cultivation & Agriculture
Location: Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Industry: Agriculture / Coffee Plantation / Horticulture
Department: Estate Operations
Employment Type: Full-time
Job Summary
We are looking for an experienced Coffee Plantation Manager to manage the complete agricultural operations of our coffee plantation in Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh. The candidate will be responsible for coffee tree cultivation, nursery management, planting, soil preparation, shade management, irrigation, fertilization, pest and disease control, pruning, harvesting, and overall plantation development.
The ideal candidate should have practical, hands-on experience in growing and maintaining coffee plants, improving tree health, increasing coffee bean yield, and implementing sustainable agricultural practices suited to the local climate and soil conditions.
Key Responsibilities
1. Coffee Tree Cultivation & Plantation Development
- Manage the complete lifecycle of coffee plants, from nursery development and seedling preparation to mature tree maintenance.
- Plan and supervise land preparation, pit digging, planting, spacing, and replanting of coffee trees.
- Monitor the growth, health, and productivity of coffee plants.
- Develop plantation plans for new areas and maintain existing coffee plantations.
- Manage shade trees and suitable intercrops according to plantation requirements.
- Identify gaps in plant growth and implement measures to improve plantation density and productivity.
2. Soil, Water & Nutrient Management
- Assess soil conditions and coordinate soil testing when required.
- Develop fertilizer and nutrient application schedules based on soil and crop requirements.
- Manage irrigation, drainage, and soil moisture, especially during dry periods.
- Implement mulching, composting, and organic matter management practices.
- Recommend suitable soil conservation measures for hilly plantation areas.
3. Pruning & Plant Maintenance
- Supervise pruning, weed control, and removal of unproductive or diseased plant material.
- Maintain appropriate shade levels for healthy coffee tree growth.
- Monitor flowering, fruit development, and cherry maturity.
- Implement seasonal plantation maintenance schedules.
4. Pest & Disease Management
- Regularly inspect coffee plants for pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
- Identify plant health issues and coordinate appropriate treatment measures.
- Implement integrated pest management practices.
- Monitor the effectiveness of plant protection activities and maintain treatment records.
5. Harvesting & Post-Harvest Management
- Plan harvesting activities according to coffee cherry maturity.
- Supervise labour during picking and ensure proper cherry selection.
- Manage post-harvest handling, including sorting, processing, drying, and storage.
- Maintain quality standards and minimize crop losses during harvesting and processing.
6. Agricultural Workforce Management
- Supervise field supervisors, agricultural workers, and contract labour.
- Prepare daily and seasonal work schedules for plantation activities.
- Monitor labour productivity and ensure proper use of agricultural tools and equipment.
- Train workers in appropriate coffee cultivation and plantation maintenance practices.
7. Production, Cost & Reporting
- Estimate seasonal coffee production and monitor actual yields.
- Maintain records of plant growth, fertilizer use, pest control, harvesting, labour, and expenses.
- Prepare reports on plantation health, crop performance, and agricultural activities.
- Manage agricultural inputs and control plantation operating costs.
- Recommend improvements to increase productivity and maintain long-term tree health.
8. Sustainable Plantation Management
- Promote sustainable coffee cultivation and environmentally responsible farming.
- Implement soil erosion prevention and water conservation practices.
- Maintain appropriate shade cover and biodiversity where suitable.
- Ensure safe handling and application of fertilizers and crop protection products.
Required Qualifications
- Degree or diploma in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related field preferred.
- Practical experience in coffee cultivation, plantation management, or horticultural crop production.
- Strong understanding of coffee tree growth, plant nutrition, pruning, shade management, and crop protection.
- Experience managing plantation workers and agricultural operations.
Required Skills
- Coffee plant cultivation and maintenance.
- Nursery and seedling management.
- Soil fertility and nutrient management.
- Irrigation and water management.
- Pruning and shade regulation.
- Pest and disease identification.
- Harvesting and post-harvest processing.
- Agricultural workforce supervision.
- Crop yield estimation and plantation recordkeeping.
Preferred Candidate Profile
- Experience managing coffee plantations or estates in hilly regions.
- Knowledge of agricultural practices suitable for Araku Valley and surrounding areas.
- A hands-on approach to fieldwork and plant health management.
- Willingness to work and stay at the plantation location as required.
Key Performance Indicators
- Healthy coffee tree growth and plantation development.
- Coffee yield per acre and overall production.
- Effective pest and disease management.
- Improved harvesting quality and reduced crop losses.
- Efficient use of labour, fertilizers, and agricultural inputs.
- Sustainable plantation maintenance and cost control.