Research Assistant in Kerala

JOB TITLE: Supply Chain Researcher / Sourcing Agent (Kerala/South India) — Spices Sourcing ABOUT THE PROJECT: We are in the process of starting a premium food export operation targeting Dubai, UAE. We are conducting deep market research into the supply chain of Kudampuli (Malabar Tamarind) originating from Kerala and surrounding South Indian states. We are looking for a sharp, resourceful, and persistent freelancer (fluent in Malayalam and English) to find, contact, and interview verified Kudampuli growers, aggregators, and wholesale suppliers to gather highly specific technical data. YOUR MISSION: You will be responsible for independently researching and building a list of verified Kudampuli suppliers and growers in Kerala and nearby South Indian States ( At least 50 ). Once identified, you will call them, act as our sourcing representative, and extract precise answers and documents regarding the following 5 criteria: 1. Export Compliance (NABL Document Collection): You must ask them if they have NABL-accredited lab certifications for their Kudampuli. Crucially, you must ask them to share a copy of a recent lab report with you. We need to get these documents checked by our team to see if their Kudampuli meets the strict import standards for Dubai (specifically checking for moisture content, HCA levels, and adulterants). 2. Processing & Curing Methodology: You must find out exactly what fuel they use to smoke and dry the Kudampuli. Do not accept generic answers like "wood." We need to know if they use coconut husk, specific hardwoods (like jackfruit wood), mixed scrap firewood, or synthetic fuels/rubber. 3. Visual & Sensory Quality (Color): What is the exact color of their finished product? We need you to categorize their supply as either: Coal Black (dark and heavily smoked) Amber / Dark Brown (natural cure) Ash colored / Dusty 4. Grading and Sorting Capabilities: Do they have a systematic grading process? Do they separate by size (Big/Small)? Do they offer a "Premium / Grade A" (whole, unbroken pieces) versus a "B Grade" (broken fragments and dust)? 5. UAE Market Footprint: Do they currently export to Dubai, or do they have existing customers who buy from them to export to Dubai? DELIVERABLES REQUIRED: A comprehensive spreadsheet listing each supplier found and contacted, the name/phone number of the person spoken to, and detailed answers to points 2, 3, 4, and 5. Copies (PDFs or clear photos) of the NABL lab certifications provided by the suppliers. Photos/videos of their actual product, requested via WhatsApp from the suppliers. REQUIREMENTS: Native/Fluent in Malayalam to speak comfortably with Kerala-based farmers and suppliers. Excellent English for reporting back to us. Highly resourceful in finding B2B agricultural contacts online or through local directories. Not afraid to ask probing questions on a phone call and push for documents. When applying for this post , please start your proposal with the word "AMBER" so I know you have read this entire brief.

Project ID: 40547140