Saudi rose sector grows above 15%, benefiting small farmers

Riyadh: The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, also known as Saudi Reef, has reported that the Kingdom’s rose sector is experiencing strong growth, with annual production increasing by more than 15 percent in response to rising global demand.

The sector provides significant economic benefits to small farmers in Taif Governorate, where 700 hectares of rose fields across approximately 1,300 properties produce approximately 500 million roses annually, supported by 36 perfume factories worth SR52 million ($14 million).

Saudi Reef has supported the sector through technical guidance, project financing, marketing assistance, and the establishment of a Rose Producers Association in Taif.

The Saudi Press Agency reported that the program also collaborates with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization on sector development initiatives.

Taif’s ideal climate allows the cultivation of more than 20 varieties of aromatic plants, which require little water and are low in cultivation costs. SPA stated that global demand for roses is growing 10-15 percent annually due to their increasing use in perfumes, medicines, and beverages.

However, the sector faces challenges, including limited scientific research on plant strain development and a lack of active agricultural cooperatives to support small-scale producers.