Jazan: The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program (Saudi Reef) has announced the completion of several strategic projects and initiatives in the rose sector, including rose cities, extraction factories, and seedling centers, aimed at supporting small producers and improving their livelihoods in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Saudi Reef spokesman Majed Al-Buraikan stated that the announced projects include the establishment of rose cities and nurseries for roses and aromatic plants in Ahad Al Masarihah Governorate and Abu Arish Governorate in Jazan Region, an extraction factory and nurseries in Abu Arish, in addition to a Rose Center project in Taif, which has been temporarily suspended pending the completion of certain studies.
Al-Buraikan explained that the Rose Cities project aims to develop the cultivation of roses and aromatic plants in Jazan, rationalize water consumption, and improve harvesting and transportation methods, with outputs including a model farm, modern greenhouses, and training programs for male and female youth.
He added that the Rose Extraction Factory seeks to support farmers, maximize the use of roses and their byproducts, and train them on modern oil extraction techniques. The project will feature a rose oil extraction and packaging laboratory of no less than 2,000 square meters.
Through its support for the rose sector and other sectors, Saudi Reef aims to boost their economic viability, improve quality of life and food security, and strengthen the Kingdom's agricultural sector.