Agriculture Engineer
Development Consulting Services (DCS)
Total years of experience :10 years, 7 Months
Company Profile: Development Consulting Services is a famous Consultancy Firm and is providing its services mainly in Agriculture, Infrastructure, Landscaping, Irrigation, Water Resource Development sectors in Pakistan. DCS has been contracted to carry out different projects across the country.
R E S P O N S I B I L I T I E S:
Project Title: “Punjab Irrigated Agriculture Productivity Improvement Project”
Project Cost: $250 Million (World Bank Funding)
The PIPIP (Punjab Irrigated Agriculture Productivity Improvement Project) project is a World Bank-funded project worth $250 million started in the Punjab Province of Pakistan. I am working as an Agriculture Engineer responsible for the implementation of good agricultural practices in the largest province of Pakistan, in fruits (Citrus fruits, Fig, Pomegranate and Date Palm) and vegetables (Onion, Tomato, Pepper, Lettuce and Cucumber) which are of great importance for the export and as well as for the local customers.
My responsibilities include;
1. Better Farms Management
2. Capacity building of Farmers (Providing Training to the farm workers)
3. Dissemination of Modern Techniques of Farming
4. Agriculture Farms Inspection
5. Best Fertilizer Recommendations (Monitored farmers on the application of fertilizers and pesticides)
6. Pest Scouting and Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
7. Dissemination of Latest Agriculture interventions including Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation Systems, Laser Land Leveling, Bed and Furrow Technology and Tunnel Farming, Greenhouses and Hydroponic Farming Systems.
8. Monitored crop production to discover best methods of planting, cultivation, harvesting, and effects of various climatic conditions on crops.
9. Developed methods for control of noxious weeds, crop diseases, and insect pests.
10. Developed and delivered relevant educational programs in sustainable cropping system best management practices for Fruits and Vegetable Producers.
11. Evaluated and reported on ways to improve soil and water characteristics to improve yield and quality.
Company Profile: Kharik Agriculture Farms is a 200 acres progressive family owned Farm, small fruit and vegetable operation located in dry areas at just south of Punjab Province of Pakistan. There are about 50 Acres of Organic Vegetables and Fruits area producing mainly Potato, Tomato, Sweet corn, Cabbage, Eggplant, Cauliflower, Onion, Bell Pepper, Cucumber, Bitter gourd, Okra and Fresh organic Salads as well. Farm is also producing Alfalfa as a Fodder and Guava, Mangoes and Citrus as main organic fruits on regular basis on over 50 acres land for more than 10 years. Farm is also using different sort of Farm Machinery and keeping livestock as a part of animal farming. Farm is also promoting Hydroponics Farming, Green houses and Protected Agriculture in the region.
R E S P O N S I B I L I T I E S:
Managing the field operations and Agronomic Work for the Fruits, Vegetables and Fodder crops. Responsibilities including the pesticides, fertility, cultivation, Irrigation and harvest field work while performing day-to-day task of producing biodynamic organic vegetables and assuring quality and safety of the produce. Providing on farm training to the farm workers and labors on Good Agriculture Practices (GAP), Food safety, Product Quality control and the use of farm agricultural machinery. Furthermore, Capacity building of farm workers to enhance their knowledge of handling farm equipment and materials and increasing their ability to manage the use of materials and equipment efficiently and economically.
1. Planned and scheduled farming activities and performed farming activities such as planting, cultivating, irrigating, harvesting, applying herbicide, pesticide and fertilizer and growing fresh organic vegetables at the farm.
2. Responsible for Inspecting orchards and other units, approving work schedules and storing of crops, fruits and vegetables with proper care.
3. Creating reports on time, equipment, materials, costs, and production; keeping records and preparing estimates of needs.
4. Managing and implementing crop protection programs.
5. Introducing latest cultural practices for the benefit of the farm business.
6. Performing routine inspections on and directing the repair and maintenance of farm buildings and equipment; coordinating maintenance of farm machinery with mechanics.
7. Hiring, supervising, and training employees as needed.
8. Trained employees in proper farming methods, growing of different vegetables and Leafy Green Salads and Herbs in Hydroponics.
9. Managed a crew of 50 workers in planting and harvesting.
10. Managed Organic Farming Section of the Farm. Responsible for the overall Organic Crop Production, Integrated Pest Management and the Organic Fertilizers and Pesticides application.
Company Profile: Al Sharafi Agriculture Farms is a part of Gerab Group of Companies and Al Arsh Properties, L.L.C in Dubai-United Arab Emirates. Farms are located at three different locations in UAE, including Abu Dhabi, Al Dhaid, and Dubai. The farms are growing different crops including; Fodder, Fresh Organic Vegetables, Fruits, Dates and as well as raising Livestock and Poultry birds as a part of Cattle Farming. At Dubai, Farm is also introducing Hydroponics Farming to produce Lettuce mainly.
R E S P O N S I B I L I T I E S:
Managed all activities of daily farm operations which include Hydroponics and Open Field Cultivations. Coordinated pesticide and fertilizer applications based on weekly crop scouting. Responsible for the overall land preparation, crop production, sowing and harvesting plans and farm administration. In charge of overseeing and conducting all aspects of farm operations in Greenhouses. I developed Sowing & Harvesting Plans for the Fodder Crops including Alfalfa & Rhodes Grass.
1. Planned and scheduled farming activities and performed activities such as planting, cultivating, irrigating, harvesting, applying herbicide, pesticide and fertilizer and promoted organic farming by growing fresh organic vegetables at the farm.
2. Responsible for supervising all kind of ongoing farm activities including Agriculture, Greenhouses, Hydroponics Vegetable Production (Cucumber and Tomato) and Irrigation Management.
3. Trained employees in proper farming methods, growing of different vegetables and fruit production including Guava, Mulberry, Fig, Date Palm, Grapes, Mango, Jujube, Terminalia catappa (Loze Fruit) and Pithecellobium dulce as main fruits.
4. Supervising and managing the works of all farm workers at three different locations in UAE including Dubai, Al Dhaid, and Abu Dhabi farms.
5. Responsible for managing financial aspects of the farm by controlling expenses and income.
6. Responsible for Greenhouses Management to grow Cucumber and Tomato crops, managing High Efficiency Irrigation System (HEIS) including Drip and Sprinkler Irrigations (Hunter and Rain Bird Automatic Irrigation Systems) and at a same time Lawns and Green areas maintenance.
7. Responsible for maintaining proper harvest records, hand tools and field equipment. Evaluating and verifying the performance of employees through work review and work techniques.
Company Profile: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is the world’s largest bilateral development organization, operating in some 150 countries to help some of the globe’s most vulnerable people. JICA is providing Technical Assistance to Government of Pakistan in the field of Irrigation, Agriculture, Education and Water Supply Sectors as a part of Technical Cooperation. JICA also extended its cooperation in different Rural Development Programs by dispatching Japanese Experts in the country.
R E S P O N S I B I L I T I E S:
Project Title: “Strengthening Irrigated Agriculture through Participatory Irrigation Management in the Punjab Province-Pakistan”.
Project Cost: ¥ 200 MILLION (JPY)
Project Duration: March 2009 to March 2014 (5 years)
Worked on a project titled “Strengthening Irrigated Agriculture through Participatory Irrigation Management in the Punjab Province”. Responsible for demonstrating Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to the Project Stakeholder (Farmers and Agriculture Department Officials), Coordinating with contractors, Conducting Field Visits and preparing Official Reports. Provided technical assistance to Japanese experts of JICA in the better implementation of the project. Supervised project field staff members at three sites in three districts of Punjab Province and prepared necessary Agriculture Educational Material/IEC Material for the benefits of Farmers, Agriculture Field staff. Acted as a “MASTER TRAINER” and provided necessary trainings to the farmers to improve Farmer Skills, their Capacity Building and the best farming techniques.
1. Provided technical assistance to the three major components of the JICA project which included formation of Area Water Boards (AWBs)/Farmers Organizations (FOs) and Dissemination of Crop Water Saving Irrigation Technologies as well as capacity building of project stakeholders.
2. Worked closely with the government line departments including Punjab Agriculture Department (PAD), Punjab Irrigation Department (PID), and Punjab Irrigation and Drainage Authority (PIDA) in the Punjab province of Pakistan.
3. Conducted field demonstration for Latest Water Saving Technologies, scheduled regular visits to sites, provided recommendations about the crops and vegetables in the project area and prepared official reports.
4. Conducted informative programs to guide farmers that can help them improve agricultural productivity.
5. Served as a Master Trainer in TOT (Training of Trainers) curriculum organized by the JICA for the project stakeholders.
6. Prepared Technical Promotion Material such as leaflets, pamphlets, poster/banners, textbooks and visual aids for educational and informational purposes for farmers and stakeholders regarding advanced water conservation irrigation Techniques and best farming practices.
Company Profile: Doaba Foundation is a humanitarian organization working in flood disaster prone areas of south Punjab Province of PAKISTAN. Doaba’s mission is to improve the quality of life among rural people and farmers.
R E S P O N S I B I L I T I E S:
Project Title: “Food Security through Efficient Agriculture Production of Small Farmers in Pakistan” (European Union ‘EU’Funded Project)
Delivered extension Agriculture sessions to demonstrate Organic Farming Practices, Fruits and Vegetable Quality Production and Irrigation Management. Procured Best Quality seeds for the small farmers to grow Quality Vegetables. Demonstrated methods of developing Home-Made Organic Pesticides and Manure and Compost development. Using different communication channels to develop a good partnership between farmers leading towards a Farmers Union.
1. Provided support and assistance to the Project Manager in order to plan, design, implement the project activities according to the goal and objectives of project.
2. Trained and taught farmers - Identified their educational needs, developed formal educational and training classes and emphasized on the Organic farming.
3. Communicated with people outside the organization, represented the organization to the farmers, the public, government, and other external sources.
4. Served as information liaison between organization and outside community through innovative promotional techniques.
5. Assisted in formation of Farmer Groups / Water Users Associations (WUAs) with village cooperation.
6. Held training workshops on demonstration farms, provided awareness about the Land Reclamation Methods, Best Farming Techniques, Organic Farming and proposed practical improvements to the existing farming system.
7. Selected and procured the best quality vegetables and cereal crop seeds for the future crops to be grown in the selected region.
8. Established plant nurseries, promoted floriculture by introducing new Flower Varieties, indoor, outdoor plants, and shrubs.
9. Provided trainings and prepared brochures on methods for Taking Soil Samples to find the Fertilizer need of the Crops.
10. Promoted Open Field Cultivation of Different Fruits and Vegetables including Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Eggplant, Potato, Sweet Potato, Gourds and Tomato.
My Educational Degrees are attested from * The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates * Ministry Of Foreign Affairs * Higher Education Commission (HEC Pakistan)
• Obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics & Physics (Dual Major)
Obtained a diploma in Information Technology. Well versed in using computer with a good proficiency.
