Scent of success as Saudi Arabia aims for 2bn roses

Reef Saudi, a sustainable agricultural rural development program, has almost doubled rose production in the past four years, increasing from 500 million roses in 2020 to 960 million roses, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The program, which focuses on enhancing productivity of vital agricultural crops, announced a 34 percent increase in rose production last year, and said it aims to reach a figure of 2 billion roses by 2026.

Reef also seeks to diversify agricultural production across rural areas, while ensuring optimal and sustainable use of natural agricultural and water resources.

As part of the program, plant nurseries have been established around the Kingdom, with mobile clinics to diagnose plant diseases.

The Reef program aims to raise the living standard of farmers and rural families, increase efficiency and productivity, and improve food security.

It has developed six sectors: fruit, coffee, honey, rose, rainfed agriculture, and a support program for rural families in agriculture.