Darshil Varmora, Bachelor of Agribusiness and Food Marketing

He wants to expand the operation of his social enterprise start-up “Kisaanonline”, set up with the aim to empower Indian farmers to be the world’s best.

Once the third-year Bachelor of Agribusiness and Food Marketing has his degree his “immediate plan” is to gain some vital industry experience in agribusinesses or social enterprises and “probably come back to Lincoln in a couple of years to further gain a better understanding of the industry by undertaking a master’s programme”. 

Darshil found Lincoln during internet research about which university could offer the best education.

“Lincoln popped up and the fact that it was a small university with an extremely high focus on research really motivated me to choose it.”

The opportunity to be part of Global Challenges Scholarship and learning how to solve future global challenges was a crucial deciding factor in choosing Lincoln University too, he added.

 “I also knew that the only thing I really want to study was agriculture. When I found out what my course was about it was like a dream come true.

“The idea of learning about the whole supply chain from farm to fork, with a special focus on innovation and sustainability along with value addition in each step, really pushed me to take up this course.

“I knew that if I wanted to pursue my goals in future, this course is perfect to enable me with the skills I need.

“The whole focus on value addition and differentiation at each stage of supply chain really helps me broaden my understanding of the whole agribusiness supply chain and the entrepreneurial approach to all the potential and current problems in agriculture sector is interesting, “ he said.

Lincoln’s small size has helped me build some vital connections and given me opportunities that probably I would not have in a big university, he said.

“Everyone knows everyone. If you get stuck somewhere, everyone is keen on helping you to get out of the situation and excel. All the professors, senior management and support staff are helpful.”

He described the facilities on campus as “the best you can get, considering the size of the campus”.

He has gone from a home stay, shifted to self-catered accommodation on campus, “which was great as I got to meet heaps of students from all around the world” and now, “ finally settled in Hudson Hall as a Residential Assistant (which is my part-time job), now looking after all the first year students”. 

He said Lincoln’s student association, LUSA, has some great events and activities throughout the year, “starting from O week to Garden party, you will have plenty of opportunities to socialise and make friends”.

“Personally, I like to get out and explore different parts of New Zealand in every break that I get. The country is beautiful and makes you fall in love with it every time you explore a different place.

“It is a pretty daunting decision but just say yes to the opportunities and you won’t regret it. Also, before coming to New Zealand, do your research, familiarise yourself with what you are getting into and that will help you settle in faster and easier.

“One piece of advice- You are in a different country, learn about their culture and more importantly adopt it. Get out of your comfort zone, speak to different people, make friends, and build a support system around you, which will be there for you whenever you need them.” 

Lincoln, for Darshil, is summed up in the three words “life changing experience”.​