Blog #1 :From Bangladesh to New Zealand -Asad Horticulture

From Bangladesh to New Zealand: The Inspiring Journey of Mr Asaduzzaman: When people talk about success stories in agriculture, they often imagine farmers who inherit family land and carry on traditions. But in the case of Mr Asaduzzaman, the founder of Asad Horticulture Ltd, the story is one of courage, migration, and determination. Known simply as Asad among his peers, he transformed his life by leaving his home country of Bangladesh and establishing a thriving kiwifruit enterprise in New Zealand. Early Life in Bangladesh Born and raised in Bangladesh, Mohammad Asaduzzaman grew up in a rural community where farming was more than a livelihood—it was a way of life. Rice paddies, vegetable plots, and small orchards shaped his childhood. But he also saw how farmers struggled. Uncertain weather, poor infrastructure, and lack of fair market prices made agriculture a challenging career. Even then, Asad carried within him a dream: to combine traditional farming values with modern techniques, creating a business that would succeed not just locally but globally. A Bold Step to New Zealand New Zealand, famous for its dairy and horticultural industries, became the land of opportunity for Asad. When he first arrived in the Bay of Plenty, he noticed the vast kiwifruit orchards stretching across the hills. The climate and soil were ideal for producing the world’s finest kiwifruit. Unlike many, who would see the industry as already dominated by large companies, Asad saw a chance. With courage, he purchased a five-hectare orchard from a native farmer. That was the humble beginning of Asad Horticulture. Building Asad Horticulture Ltd Starting with one orchard was not easy. Farming in New Zealand required learning new techniques: canopy management, irrigation systems, and strict quality grading standards. But Mr Asaduzzaman was determined. He worked alongside his employees, pruning vines, monitoring crops, and even handling logistics. Over the years, his commitment paid off. The business grew to three orchards—Asad 1, Asad 2, and Asad 3—and officially became known as Asad Horticulture Ltd. Today, these orchards stand as a symbol of perseverance and ambition. The Workforce – 50 Dedicated Workers Behind Asad’s leadership is a team of 50 workers who care for the orchards year-round. Some are locals; others are migrants who, like Asad, bring their skills and labor to New Zealand. For him, workers are not just employees—they are partners in the growth of Asad Horticulture. By offering training, fair wages, and safe working conditions, Asad has created not just a workplace but a community. The Harvest Season – A Time of Joy Every May and June, the orchards come alive with the harvest. Workers carefully hand-pick kiwifruits, ensuring each fruit meets the highest standard. The fruits are then graded: • Top-grade kiwifruits are exported to Europe, America, and Asia. • Grade C fruits, sold locally for about NZD $8 per kilogram, make kiwifruit accessible to everyday New Zealand households. This dual approach ensures that both international and local markets benefit from Asad Horticulture’s produce. More than Orchards – Diversification into New Ventures Asad did not stop at kiwifruit. Under his leadership, Asad Horticulture expanded into new businesses: • Asad Horticulture 2018 Ltd (Atlantic Tractors): Importing and distributing tractors and machinery to modernize farming. • Spray Master Ltd: Providing professional spraying services to protect crops. This diversification shows Asad’s vision: building not just a farm, but an entire agricultural ecosystem. Giving Back – A Model for the Diaspora For many Bangladeshis living abroad, Asad’s journey is an inspiration. His story shows how migrants can succeed, contribute to their adopted countries, and still remain deeply connected to their cultural roots. He also contributes to local communities in the Bay of Plenty, supporting families through employment and sustainable practices. Looking to the Future Asad envisions further expansion of orchards, modern farming technology, and sustainable practices that will keep the orchards thriving for decades. His vision includes mentoring young farmers, particularly from migrant backgrounds, to ensure agriculture remains a promising career. Conclusion The journey of Mohammad Asaduzzaman is a testament to resilience. From a young boy in Bangladesh to the founder of Asad Horticulture Ltd in New Zealand, his story proves that dreams know no borders. For Asad, farming is not just business—it is a calling. And through Asad Horticulture, he has shown the world that with courage, vision, and hard work, one can cultivate not just fruits but also success, respect, and legacy.