Jabal Akhdar – Rose production increased significantly in Jabal Akhdar, Dakhliyah this agricultural season to over 20 tonnes, a notable increase of nine tonnes from the previous season. The production this year is valued at RO200,000, highlighting the economic importance of rose farming in the wilayat.

Issam bin Saif al Zakwani, Senior Executive at Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development’s Business and Incubators Centre in the wilayat, spoke of the diverse use of Jabal Akhdar rose water. “It is used as flavouring for food and beverages, and has recently been introduced into the cosmetics industry, including creams and aromatic soaps,” he said. Additionally, after pressing the roses are used in soap and fertiliser production.

The rose harvest season, which runs from late March to mid-April, is a cultural event in Jabal Akhdar. During this period, the fragrant Damask roses are in full bloom. Farmers handpick the flowers to produce rose water, rose oil and other fragrance products. The harvest season attracts visitors who participate in picking and processing roses and enjoy cultural performances, traditional food and local hospitality.

Rose farming in Jabal Akhdar is done on terrace farms situated at altitudes of over 3,000m. Typically, these farms grow 5,000 or more rose shrubs on areas of 7-10 acres.

Highlighting the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development’s role in supporting local craftsmen and entrepreneurs, Zakwani said, “Through its Business and Incubators Centre, it organises training workshops in various fields, including the manufacture of rose water and aromatic oils like rose oil and frankincense oil. We also offer training in entrepreneurship, encouraging business owners in the wilayat to launch craft projects and enhance the craft and entrepreneurial sectors.”

In a related development, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources launched a project in March 2024 to boost rose cultivation in Jabal Akhdar. With RO150,000 financing from the Agricultural and Fisheries Development Fund, the two-year project aims to benefit 15 farmers. Objectives include conducting a study on rose cultivation and related industries in collaboration with local SMEs, supporting the cultivation of an additional five acres of roses, introducing agricultural machinery, and providing training to beneficiaries engaged in the rose water industry.