Conrad Smith: Farming and sport share similar demands
The challenges of high-performance sport and farming are not as dissimilar as they may first appear.
An invited presentation from a New Zealand professor on Biological Farming was well received by the Hindu business community and investors from around the world.
The presentation was made by Professor Guna Magesan, a New Zealander currently in Fiji, at the second World Hindu Economic Conference on August 10-11, 2013 at Bangkok, Thailand. The theme of the conference was "Strengthening Economy, Shaping Future".
Biological farming is a mix of conventional and organic farming practices involving careful crop and soil monitoring to ensure optimum yields, nutritional density and humus production.
More than 500 industrialists, traders, bankers, technocrats, economists, investors, businessmen and academicians from more than 20 countries participated in the conference. The main aim was to share their knowledge, experience and expertise on business opportunities and creation of wealth.
Following his successful presentation on biological farming, Magesan was approached by a number of investors, business people and landowners from Fiji, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Mauritius, and other African countries to set up large scale biological farming in their respective countries.
Vinod Kumar, a business delegate from New Zealand, says he was very impressed with Magesan's outstanding presentation on Biological Farming. "We need to utilise his services and expertise here in New Zealand," he says.
World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF) is an initiative to create and synergise positive and mutually beneficial networking opportunities to facilitate the re-emergence of the wealth and economic prowess globally.
While discussing about his presentation, Magesan says he never knew that there was so much interest among the business community about biological farming.
"It is a welcome change. I hope more landowners from the Pacific region would also follow this trend," he says.
Magesan says his aim is to connect the investors and the landowners, who have common interest in biological farming, to come together and progress so that it is a win-win situation for both parties. It will also help the environment and the economy of the country.
He also says such connections might help in building business partnerships and collaborations.
Horticulture New Zealand’s Board has welcomed the re-election of grower-elected directors Alistair Petrie and Doug Brown.
The bright ideas of New Zealand's primary sector have been celebrated with an announcement of the winners of the 2026 Innovation Awards.
Newly appointed Federated Farmers vice president Sandra Faulkner says she is honoured and excited to hold the role.
New Zealand's top fencers were out in force at National Fieldays this month, demonstrating their skills with the ever-reliable number 8 wire.
New Federated Farmers president Colin Hurst says he will ensure that farmer voices are heard loud and clear wherever decisions are being made.
Paynes Titus Excelsior ET, an LIC bull bred by Brad Payne and Claire Brodie in the Waikato, has won the JT Thwaites Sire of the Season 2026 Award.

OPINION: Central Hawke's Bay farmer Mark Warren recently told the Hawke's Bay Times it's time for a conversation about allowing…
OPINION: A nation that relies as heavily as NZ does on functional global shipping lanes will have to do its…