Blog #3: Harvest Time at Asad Horticulture Ltd: What Happens Between May and June

Harvest Time at Asad Horticulture Ltd: What Happens Between May and June For most people, May and June in New Zealand mark the start of winter. But for Asad Horticulture Ltd, these months are the highlight of the year: harvest season. This is when the hard work of Mr Asaduzzaman and his 50 workers comes to life, as millions of kiwifruits are carefully picked, sorted, and prepared for markets around the world. Preparing for the Harvest The journey to harvest begins months earlier. Workers prune vines, manage canopy growth, and monitor soil moisture. Asad believes in meticulous planning—every irrigation schedule, every pest control spray, and every nutrient application is tracked. By the time May arrives, the orchards of Asad Horticulture are heavy with fruit, ready for harvest. The Human Touch Unlike some crops harvested by machines, kiwifruit requires a human touch. Workers at Asad Horticulture hand-pick each fruit to avoid bruising. It’s a delicate process—too early, and the fruits won’t ripen correctly; too late, and quality is compromised. Each day begins early, with teams moving row by row, filling bins with freshly picked kiwifruits. Grading and Sorting Once harvested, fruits are taken for grading: • Grade A and B fruits: These meet strict export standards for size, color, and taste. They are shipped overseas to premium markets in Europe, North America, and Asia. • Grade C fruits: Slightly misshaped or smaller, but still delicious. These are sold locally for around NZD $8 per kilogram (about 20 pieces) in kitchen markets. This ensures that nothing is wasted, and both local and global communities benefit. Logistics and Export Exporting kiwifruit is no simple task. Asad Horticulture Ltd works closely with logistics partners to ensure fruits are cooled, packaged, and shipped in optimal conditions. The journey from orchard to supermarket shelves overseas can take weeks, but Asad’s careful processes maintain freshness. The Workers Behind the Success Harvest is also a time of celebration for the 50 workers at Asad Horticulture. Their year-long efforts finally bear fruit—literally. For many, harvest wages help support families, pay for education, or build savings. For Mr Asaduzzaman, this is the most rewarding part: knowing that his business not only exports kiwifruit but also provides livelihoods. Why May–June Matters Timing is everything. New Zealand kiwifruit is highly valued overseas because it arrives when markets in the Northern Hemisphere face shortages. By harvesting in May–June, Asad Horticulture ensures its fruits reach international shelves at peak demand. A Season of Joy and Responsibility Harvest season is busy, but it’s also joyful. Orchards echo with laughter, teamwork, and the satisfaction of seeing a year’s effort rewarded. Yet it’s also a season of responsibility—Asad insists that every fruit carrying the Asad Horticulture name must meet the highest standard. Conclusion For Asad, harvest time is more than just business—it’s the realization of a dream. From the first five-hectare orchard to today’s three thriving units, Asad Horticulture Ltd shows what dedication, teamwork, and careful planning can achieve. When customers bite into a kiwi overseas, they may not realize the journey behind it. But at Asad Horticulture, every fruit tells the story of Mohammad Asaduzzaman, his workers, and the fertile lands of Bay of Plenty.