Jabal Al Akhdar: The quantity of Al Jabal Al Akhdar roses produced at the Business Centre and Incubators at the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority in the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdar in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate during the current agricultural season 2024 reached approximately 20 tonnes.
There was an increase in production of nine tonnes over the last season in 2023, with the estimated value of OMR200,000.
Issam bin Saif Al-Zakwani, a senior executive at the Business and Incubators Centre at the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority in the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdar, said that the rose water is used in a number of ways, including as a flavour in food and beverages and other industries, and it has recently been introduced into cosmetics industries such as creams and in the manufacturing of aromatic soap.
He pointed out that the remains of rose petals are used in the manufacture of soap and fertilisers, which contribute to the fertility of agricultural lands.
He stressed that the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, represented by the Business Centre and Incubators, supports the craftsmen and entrepreneurs in the state by organising training workshops for them in many fields, such as training in the manufacture of rose water and various aromatic oils such as rose oil, frankincense oil, and other oils.
He added that the centre encourages business owners in the state to launch their projects and products.
It is worth noting that the Business Centre and Incubators in Jabal Al Akhdar includes a number of departments, including a training hall for distilling aromatic plants and producing essential oils, a department for training entrepreneurs and craftsmen, and the Omani Crafts House to display the centre’s and craftsmen’s products (oils, aromatics, textiles, pottery, silver, and others).
In addition, the centre includes a rose farm having more than 2,700 trees of different varieties. The centre, in cooperation with some concerned parties, has provided business opportunities that are commensurate with current trends to boost the local and foreign economy.