By: Malik Bilal
Gul Bostan’s life demonstrates how dedication, humility and knowledge-sharing can transform not only a profession but entire communities. His journey in horticulture began in 1981 with only a few mother plants, limited resources and strong personal resolve. What started as a small nursery initiative gradually evolved into a lifelong commitment to improving fruit plant quality and promoting modern propagation techniques in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Through decades of dedication, integrity and consistent effort, he transformed Pakhtunkhwa Fruit Nursery Farm into one of the region’s most respected nurseries and horticultural learning centers. Today, farmers, students and nursery professionals continue to visit the farm for authentic planting material, technical guidance and hands-on learning, reflecting the enduring impact of his work.
Gul Bostan was widely recognized as a trusted authority in fruit plant propagation and nursery management. His expertise covered grafting, budding, rootstock selection, orchard establishment and the production of true-to-type, high-quality planting material suited to local climatic conditions. His practical skills, combined with sound scientific understanding, enabled him to maintain genetic purity and consistently produce healthy, disease-free plants. Farmers, researchers and trainees frequently sought his guidance and his hands-on training approach became a defining feature of his professional life.
Beyond technical excellence, Gul Bostan was known for his humility and voluntary contributions to development initiatives. During my field assignment with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Malakand Division in 2013, he provided technical assistance to farmers generously and without any expectation of recognition or compensation. This engagement highlighted his commitment to supporting the broader development sector and the farming community, demonstrating that expertise paired with generosity can create meaningful community impact.
He was also a dedicated mentor and educator, strongly believing in knowledge sharing. Over the years, he trained numerous farmers and nursery workers, many of whom went on to establish successful nurseries of their own, improving livelihoods and raising professional standards across the region. He placed equal emphasis on passing knowledge within his family, personally training his son and daughter in nursery management and propagation techniques while instilling values of honesty, discipline and service to farmers.
Under his leadership, Pakhtunkhwa Fruit Nursery Farm gained recognition beyond provincial boundaries. One notable milestone was the successful export of walnut plants to the Netherlands, demonstrating that locally produced planting material from Pakistan could meet international quality standards. His work strengthened confidence in the country’s horticulture sector and showcased the potential for international engagement.
Gul Bostan’s legacy has been further honored through the approval of the apricot variety named “Bostan,” a recognition reflecting his lifelong contribution to horticulture. Though he is no longer with us, his influence continues through the institution he built, the farmers and professionals he trained and the family members who carry his work forward. His life stands as a testament to how dedication, integrity, knowledge-sharing and voluntary service can shape not only a sector but also an entire community.
Gul Bostan’s story offers a clear lesson for professionals and young practitioners alike: combining technical excellence with humility and community-minded service can leave a lasting legacy. His example inspires all who seek to contribute meaningfully to development, agriculture and society at large.
The commitment of Gul Bostan’s family to agriculture further reinforces his enduring legacy. At the time of my interaction with them, both his son and daughter were pursuing studies in agricultural sciences, having been personally mentored by him in modern propagation techniques, nursery management and the principles of ethical, community-centered practice. I am confident that, following Gul Bostan’s passing, they will carry forward their father’s mission, sustaining the initiatives he established and advancing the values of knowledge-sharing, integrity and service to farmers that defined his life. In this way, Gul Bostan’s vision for sustainable horticultural development and meaningful community impact will continue through the next generation.
About the Author: Malik Bilal is a development and humanitarian professional specializing in climate governance, resilience building, emergency response and sustainable development in Pakistan. He can be reached at malikbilal1983@gmail.com
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