Virender Kumar

Experienced Agriculture and Soil Science professional with 15+ years of expertise in oilseed crop development, sustainable agriculture, soil science research, oil palm cultivation, farmer training, agribusiness development, and agricultural project management. Proven record of leading large-scale agriculture initiatives, developing value chains for oilseed crops, managing research stations, coordinating with government and private-sector stakeholders, and training farmers across Pakistan. Skilled in crop production systems, procurement management, sustainable farming, soil fertility management, GIS and remote sensing applications, and agricultural extension services.

Seeking international opportunities in agriculture management, agribusiness, sustainable farming, oil palm development, soil science, agricultural consulting, and project coordination.

Project Manager – Agriculture - Dalda Foods Limited - Karachi, Pakistan

(2014-05)

• Lead agricultural development initiatives focused on edible oilseed crops including Sunflower, Canola, and Oil Palm.
• Developed and managed procurement systems for locally grown sunflower and canola crops based on quality standards.
• Coordinated with more than 700 farmers across Sindh, Punjab, and KPK for oilseed crop cultivation and procurement.
• Conducted field research trials to evaluate crop performance, soil suitability, production economics, and yield optimization.
• Explored large-scale land opportunities for oilseed cultivation under corporate farming initiatives.
• Established strong coordination among farmers, researchers, academia, and industry stakeholders.
• Supported national efforts to reduce edible oil import dependency through local oilseed production.
• Managed agricultural research station activities, nursery development, and demonstration plots.
• Implemented modern agricultural management practices and farm monitoring systems.
• Supervised agricultural teams and ensured timely project execution.
• Successfully developed value chains for sunflower and canola procurement involving 700+ farmers.
• Conducted successful research trials on oilseed crops under varying soil and climatic conditions.
• Contributed to initiatives aimed at improving domestic edible oil production in Pakistan.

Agriculture Consultant - Organization for Social Development Initiative (OSDI) - Karachi, Pakistan

(2012-01 - 2014-05)

• Developed crop value chains for wheat, rice, and vegetable growers under livelihood assistance programs.
• Monitored implementation of agricultural livelihood projects in multiple districts.
• Guided farmers throughout complete cropping cycles to improve productivity and profitability.
• Facilitated access to quality agricultural inputs for small-scale farmers.
• Coordinated agricultural activities in Matiari, Ranipur, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Jacobabad, and Mardan.
• Conducted farmer awareness and capacity-building programs on crop management practices.
• Prepared field reports and monitored project compliance.

Field Officer (Technical) - Pakistan Oilseed Development Board (PODB), Ministry of National Food Security, Government of Pakistan - Karachi, Pakistan

(2006-04 - 2011-06)

• Assisted in development of commercial oil palm nurseries and plantations in Thatta (Sindh) and Vinder (Balochistan).
• Contributed to establishment of approximately 2,260 acres of oil palm plantation.
• Coordinated with forestry departments, edible oil industry stakeholders, and farmers.
• Conducted farmer training programs on oil palm plantation management.
• Maintained project documentation, inventories, and operational records.
• Supported environmental assessment and sustainability activities related to oil palm projects.
• Managed field logistics, procurement, and operational support.
• Successfully trained over 200 farmers on oil palm plantation management.
• Supported development of nurseries containing approximately 250,000 oil palm seedlings.
• Participated in Environmental Impact Assessment activities for palm oil extraction facilities.

Ph.D. - Soil Science - Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam

M.Sc. (Hons.) - Soil Science - Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam

B.Sc. (Hons.) - Agriculture – Soil Science - Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam