KEY POINTS
- Over 100 private nurseries thrive along the GT Road, Peshawar.
- Hybrid fruits offer higher yields and faster market returns.
- Imported and local hybrids boost variety and productivity.
- Farmers shift from traditional crops to fruit farming.
- Hybrid plants resist disease and adapt to local climates.
- Nutritionists praise hybrid fruits’ antioxidant and health benefits.
- Experts warn of hybrid seeds’ high cost and limitations.
PESHAWAR, Pakistan: Along the bustling stretch of the historic Grand Trunk (GT) Road — just outside the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) in northwestern Pakistan — trucks thunder past roadside stalls and farmland stretches into the distance. Here, an agricultural revolution is quietly taking root.
At the heart of this transformation lies Tarnab Farm — once known simply as a fertile zone, it is now a thriving hub of hybrid fruit plant nurseries, changing the game for how farmers grow and market their produce.
A legacy of innovation
Located near the Agricultural Research Institute Tarnab — established in 1908 during British rule — the stretch along both sides of the GT Road came to be known as Tarnab Farm. Today, it houses more than 100 private nurseries.
Over time, the Agricultural Research Institute Tarnab has evolved into a centre of agricultural innovation, attracting farmers from across the province seeking high-yield, climate-resilient, and disease-resistant hybrid varieties.
Hybrid fruits are the future. They yield more per tree, have a longer shelf life, and are more disease-resistant. Farmers are shifting from traditional crops to fruit farming because it’s more profitable.” – Fazal Rabi, a nursery owner.
Although most private nursery owners and workers are not formally trained, decades of hands-on experience have made them experts in plant care.
These nurseries offer a wide variety of fruit plants, including apples, almonds, apricots, avocados, blackberries, cherries, figs, grapes, lemons, loquats, lychees, mangoes, olives, oranges, peaches, pears, plums, and guavas — all nurtured from the ground up.
What makes hybrids special
Hybrid fruit plants are developed by crossbreeding different varieties or species of the same or closely related fruits.
This technique brings together the best traits from each parent plant, such as improved taste, higher yield, faster growth, and resistance to pests and diseases, while also adapting better to local climates.
At the root of the matter lies the science of hybridisation — blending biology with market demand. These fruits not only appeal to the eye and palate but also perform better in local and export markets.
Some of the hybrid plants sold here are imported, such as mangoes from India and dragon fruit from China, while others are sourced from Pattoki — a central Punjab’s town renowned for its advanced nurseries.
The wide range of offerings has made Tarnab a one-stop destination for farmers looking to boost productivity and profitability.
Profits driving the shift
Farmers are increasingly turning to hybrid fruits — and the shift if already bearing fruit, with higher yields and better market returns.
These plants usually bear fruit earlier than traditional varieties, allowing for quicker returns on investment. Their uniform size, vibrant colours, and enhanced sweetness make them ideal for market demand.
Fazal Rabi, a nursery owner at Tarnab for nearly 40 years, observes that the demand for hybrid fruit plants is rising steadily.
I’ve seen guavas and lemons weighing over a kilogram. We never saw such large fruits before. Hybrid plants have completely changed the way we farm.” – Mursaleen Khan, a nursery worker
“Hybrid fruits are the future. They yield more per tree, have a longer shelf life, and are more disease-resistant. Farmers are shifting from traditional crops to fruit farming because it’s more profitable,” says Rabi.
He continues that while many plants come from Pattoki, others are imported from countries like Türkiye, India, and China to meet growing demand.
Likewise, Mursaleen Khan, 68, who has worked at Tarnab nurseries most of his life, has seen the change firsthand.
“I’ve seen guavas and lemons weighing over a kilogram. We never saw such large fruits before. Hybrid plants have completely changed the way we farm,” he recalls.
He explains how farming practices have evolved. Previously, farmers would grow only one crop per season, such as sugarcane.
Now, they can grow multiple crops together like curry vegetables, round gourd, cucumber, and zucchini alongside sugarcane, maximising land use and income — a keen understanding of the lay of the land.
Sohail Ahmad, Provincial Nutrition Manager at the Directorate General Health Services Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, notes that many hybrid fruits like citrus, grapes, blueberries, apples, tomatoes, and lingonberries are rich in polyphenols, especially flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants.
“Parts of these fruits, such as skin, seeds, leaves, and pulp, have natural compounds that reduce inflammation, protect brain cells, and may even help prevent cancer and other diseases,” he adds.
These findings are backed by laboratory studies that show extracts from hybrid fruits have neuroprotective and anticancer properties.
Their high antioxidant content contributes to better overall health, making them a valuable part of the modern diet.
Innovation and its cost
Habib Jan, a researcher retired from the Agriculture Research Institute Tarnab, explains that field trials show that hybrid plants grow faster, fruit earlier and have better survival rates. “This helps farmers stay competitive and boosts food production.”
Parts of these fruits, such as skin, seeds, leaves, and pulp, have natural compounds that reduce inflammation, protect brain cells, and may even help prevent cancer and other diseases.” – Sohail Ahmad, a nutritionist at the Directorate General of Health Services, KP
He emphasises the promise of interspecific hybrids, which combine two different species. “They’re fascinating to study and appealing to buyers. A unique taste or colour can make a fruit stand out in the market.”
Habib also highlights key advantages of hybrid seeds: better yields, adaptability to climate extremes, and disease resistance.
However, he cautioned that hybrid seeds come with trade-offs; they are expensive, non-reusable, and often require more water and fertiliser.
“Overdependence on hybrids can reduce biodiversity. Some hybrids may also have lower nutritional value or flavour than traditional varieties,” he points out.
“Their use must be carefully managed, especially by small-scale farmers.”
Rasheed Ahmed, a plant expert at the University of Agriculture Peshawar, echoed these insights.
“Hybrid plants resist pests, survive extreme weather, and produce earlier. They are often sweeter, juicier, and more marketable than traditional varieties.”
But he also raises concerns. “Hybrid seeds are costly and out of reach for many small farmers. And some hybrid vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and melons may have a shorter productive life compared to indigenous varieties.”
Despite the concerns, Rasheed believes hybridisation holds promise for Pakistan’s future agriculture.
“With the right training and institutional support, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa can lead the way in hybrid fruit farming. Tarnab Farm area is a shining example of what is possible,” he remarks.
Even in urban areas, hybrid fruits are gaining popularity. Rasheed Khan, a resident of Peshawar, says he grows guava, lemon, pomegranate, and vegetables on his rooftop.
“They’re enough for my family’s needs,” he tells WE News English. “If someone truly loves plants, they can grow them anywhere, even in pots.”
As consumers become more health-conscious and climate change challenges traditional farming, hybrid fruits and vegetables are emerging as a practical and profitable solution.
From rural farmlands to city rooftops, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is embracing this shift led by the expertise nurtured at Tarnab Farm and the entrepreneurial spirit of local nursery owners — a case where a rising tide lifts all boats.
