We invite applications from experienced agronomists for faculty positions in Horticulture to be part of the School of Continuing Education and University Resource Centre (SCE-URC). This role requires working with institutions to develop an understanding of farmer-centered, ecologically sound, and scalable horticulture models in the country and to design and run courses around them.

The School of Continuing Education and University Resource Centre (SCE-URC) is responsible for in-service programmes in the domains of education, development, and qualified skills.

The SCE-URC works at the intersection of knowledge, practice, and capacity-building to strengthen sustainable rural livelihoods. Horticulture , fruits, vegetables, and diversified farming systems , is a key pathway for improving farmer incomes, nutrition, and ecological resilience.

Responsibilities

- Lead applied research on sustainable and climate-resilient horticulture systems
- Design and support field-based horticulture demos (orchards, vegetable clusters, nurseries, nutrition gardens, agroforestry) in University campus/ NGO field
- Ideate and design the courses to build ecosystem capacities in the horticulture sector
- Develop training materials and conduct capacity-building for extension workers and grassroots practitioners
- Contribute to university-level teaching, curriculum development, and mentoring
- Contribute to course coordination and overall course delivery in decentralized locations
- Explore with farmers, FPOs, and CSOs to promote practical, locally relevant solutions
- Document field learning through case studies, practice notes, and knowledge products
- Network with other knowledge institutions and horticulture scientists in the country

Horticulture Farm Design and demonstrations

- Design and support implementation of field-based horticulture initiatives (orchards, vegetable clusters, nutrition gardens, agroforestry models,



etc.) in University farms or partner NGO fields.
- Work with other eminent horticulture scientists and develop low-cost, resource-efficient horticulture models suitable for rainfed and smallholder contexts.
- Support demonstration plots, nurseries, and community-based horticulture enterprises.
- Provide technical guidance on crop selection, seasonality, pest and disease management, and post-harvest handling.

Teaching and Curriculum Development

- Contribute to the design and delivery of university-level courses and modules on horticulture, sustainable agriculture, and livelihoods.
- Develop field-based learning modules, case studies, and practical training materials.
- Mentor students and fellows, and take elective courses in degree programs if required.
- Contribute to course coordination and the overall course delivery in the field.

Capacity Building and Outreach

- Conduct training programmes for extension workers, CSO staff, farmer leaders, and community resource persons.
- Develop easy-to-use technical manuals and training resources on horticulture practices.
- Build partnerships with universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), horticulture departments, and practitioner networks.
- Contribute to dialogues and knowledge platforms on sustainable horticulture and smallholder livelihoods.

Requirements

- Master’s or an Advanced degree in Horticulture, Agronomy (with horticulture focus), or related field
- 7+ years of experience in horticulture research, field implementation, or extension
- Strong knowledge of fruit and vegetable systems, soil, water and pest management
- Experience working with smallholder farmers and rural institutions
- Good communication and facilitation skills
- Willingness to travel extensively and work collaboratively and in teams.

Desirable

- Experience with nurseries, precision agriculture, protected cultivation, or community-based horticulture enterprises.

📌 Faculty - Horticulture (Ranchi)
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📍 Ranchi