How sustainable water use is helping Saudi rose farms flourish in the global industry
JEDDAH: Pink roses grown in Saudi Arabia are popular throughout the Arabian Peninsula for their expert breeding, vivid color, attractive fragrance and many luxurious products derived from their petals, which constitute a multi-million dollar industry. favorite
Two types of pink roses are cultivated in the kingdom: the Medina rose, which has a light pink blush and grows all year round and thrives in warm and cool climates, and the Taif rose, known as Juri or Rose. Damascus is also known to grow only. in the spring
Taef produces more than 550 million flowers per harvest season, which lasts between 45 and 60 days. The rose season usually begins in late March or early April.
According to the Saudi Arabian News Agency, 910 rose farms with an area of 270 hectares grow about 1.14 million plants in areas such as Al-Hada, Al-Shafa, Wadi Muharram, Al-Wahat and Al-Wahit.
The products obtained from these flowers are widely popular with a domestic market value of SR 64 million ($17 million).
Considered a symbol of the region's natural beauty, the Taif rose is known for its exquisite, sweet fragrance, vibrant pink hues, and delicate petals. Cultivated at high altitudes, this rose thrives in the cool temperature and fertile soil of the region.
Every spring, roses bloom in Taif, turning the kingdom's vast desert landscape into fragrant patches of pink. (AFP photo)
More than 60 farms and the families that run them participate in the region's annual rose festival, usually held in April and May, and showcase their products over five festive days.
These fragrant products have turned the mountainous province into a rose capital of the world, earning a place in the Guinness World Records in 2022 for the largest basket of roses, containing 84,450 flowers.
For the growth of this industry, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has launched several projects, including the revival of agricultural terraces, the use of rainwater harvesting technologies, and the sustainable development program of rural agriculture.
A Saudi woman takes a picture of a rose garden at Bin Salman Farm in Taif on March 13, 2021. (Photo by AFP)
The ministry also supports specialized agricultural cooperatives, including the recently established Rose and Aromatic Plants Association. This support allows them to invest in ministry lands, produce aromatic oils and benefit from the agricultural development fund.
Saleh Bindakhil, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture told Arab News: “The ministry is working on several initiatives and programs to achieve global leadership in the Taif rose industry and increase its production to 2 billion roses by 2026.”
do youdo you know
• Taif produces more than 550 million flowers per harvest season, which lasts 45-60 days.
• With an area of 270 hectares, 910 farms in the west of the kingdom grow 1.14 million plants.
• Products derived from rose oil have a domestic market value of SR 64 million ($17 million).
A group of Agricultural Extension Bureau horticulturists were recently sent to Bulgaria, the Philippines and Thailand to learn about the latest rose oil production technologies and environmentally friendly farming practices.
Farmers receive expert guidance on best farming practices, with dedicated pest control teams responding to pesticide spraying requests to protect crops from potential threats.
A tourist takes a photo with Taif roses at Bin Salman Farm in Taif city on March 13, 2021. (AFP)
The ministry also leads the construction of essential water infrastructure, including reservoirs and barriers, while facilitating the creation of irrigation networks to boost agricultural activities.
Emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices, the ministry encourages small-scale rose farmers to adopt and implement best agricultural practices and provides valuable insights into the use of advanced technologies and optimal rose production techniques, including essential oil extraction. Provide them as part of the value chain. development approach
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Bindakhil said: “Taif province has long been known as an ideal and authentic environment for Taif rose bushes.
“Generations have cared for these roses and passed down the tradition of harvesting, distilling and extracting rose oil and water. They have enjoyed the fragrant history of this rose in the mild and cool climate and mountainous nature at the famous peak of Jabal Ghazwan.
One of the uses of rose water extracted from the Taif rose is the annual washing of the Kaaba in Mecca – a traditional practice approved by the Saudi government.
The distillation process, which takes 9 to 12 hours, is done using sturdy copper stills. (AFP photo)
This kingdom has many factories and workshops that are dedicated to the extraction and production of more than 80 products from rose derivatives, the production of various aromatic products and body care items.
The rose industry plays an important role in regional development and the local economy, providing numerous employment and marketing opportunities and encouraging more women to enter the workforce.
To extract rose oil, sacks containing thousands of rose petals are poured into 90-liter copper stills and then sealed tightly for the distillation process, which takes 9 to 12 hours.
45,000 roses are needed to produce the oil extract, which is then poured into 12 ml vials. (AFP photo)
45,000 roses are needed to produce the oil extract, which is then poured into 12 ml vials, which start at $400 depending on the season.
Established in 1831, Al Kamal is the oldest manufacturer of rose-derived cosmetics in the Kingdom. The company, which is located in Al Hoda, Medina, is managed by Khaled Al Kamal, whose family has worked in the company for generations.
In an interview with Arab News in 2021, al-Kamal said: “This is a profession inherited from father to son – from one generation to another – and I am very proud to tell you that I am the seventh generation to inherit this legacy. “
A view of the entrance of Gulab Al Kamal factory in Taif. (Shutterstock)
Working in the field of rose breeding requires a lot of finesse, because the quality of the rose is affected by the soil and climate, as well as the cultivation method. “I learned from my fathers and now my three sons run the factory along with some workers.”
With many new government investments in the pipeline to promote sustainable use of water resources, Saudi Arabia's rose industry will undoubtedly continue to flourish in the coming years.
