The Saudi countryside development program is developing rose production and supporting farmers in Jazan
The Saudi Rural Development Program (Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program) announced the completion of a package of strategic and high-quality projects in the rose and aromatic plant sector in the Jazan region. This significant step aims to empower small producers and farmers, and achieve rewarding economic returns in line with the aspirations and objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify national income sources and enhance environmental and agricultural sustainability across the Kingdom.
Quality projects launched by the Saudi Countryside Development Program in Jazan
The official spokesperson for the “Saudi Countryside” program, Majid Al-Buraikan, explained that the completed projects include the establishment of advanced nurseries and greenhouses for roses and aromatic plants in the governorates of Ahad Al-Masarihah and Abu Arish in the Jazan region. These initiatives also include the construction of a fully integrated factory for extracting essential oils and modern nurseries in the Abu Arish National Park. In a related matter, Al-Buraikan noted that work has been temporarily suspended at the Rose Center in Taif Governorate to finalize some technical studies related to the project and ensure its implementation according to the highest international standards.
Jazan: The Kingdom's food basket and a rich history of aromatic agriculture
The Jazan region possesses a unique historical and geographical heritage that makes it one of the most important agricultural areas in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. For decades, Jazan has been renowned for its fertile soil and abundant water, making it an ideal environment for cultivating aromatic plants such as jasmine, pandanus, and basil, which form an integral part of the cultural and social identity of the region's inhabitants. Current government support aims to expand these traditional agricultural practices from a limited local scope to broader industrial and investment horizons, leveraging the region's comparative advantages to enhance food security and sustainable economic development.
Modern technologies for water conservation and developing national competencies
The “Rose Cities” project in Jazan aims to develop the cultivation of aromatic plants and introduce new varieties, with a strong focus on water conservation through the optimal use of reclaimed and treated water – a cornerstone of non-traditional agricultural production. The project's ambitious outputs include the establishment of model open-field farms and greenhouses managed with the latest smart control technologies. Furthermore, the program focuses on training young Saudi men and women in modern rose production methods and developing harvesting and transportation techniques to ensure the preservation of high quality.
The economic and social impact of rose extraction plants
The importance of these projects extends beyond agriculture, encompassing significant economic and social dimensions at both the local and regional levels. The rose extraction plant, spanning at least 2,000 square meters, aims to maximize the added value of roses and their byproducts through advanced packaging and extraction processes. This plant will create new job opportunities for Saudi youth and train farmers and engineers in modern essential oil extraction techniques, opening new export markets for premium Saudi products regionally and internationally, and strengthening the Kingdom's position as a leading producer of high-quality natural essential oils.
