How growing Damask roses is changing lives of Kumaon farmers in Uttarakhand

These roses are primarily found in the eastern Mediterranean region (Credit : @IRAN_GHANA /X )

The farmers of the Kumaon hills in Uttarakhand have started the cultivation of rose, particularly the prized Damask variety, known for their strong fragrance and rich oil content. Initially, it began as a small trial and has now blossomed into a large movement, spreading across Almora, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh, with more than 500 farmers now cultivating these flowers.

The Damask rose, scientifically known as Rosa damascena, is a special variety that blooms just once a year. These roses are primarily found in the eastern Mediterranean region, specifically in countries like Bulgaria, Turkey, France, Italy, Morocco, Russia, and India. They are believed to have originated in South Anatolia, within the eastern Mediterranean region.

They are highly valued for making perfumes, rose water, and essential oils. The cool climate of Kumaon favours the growing of these flowers, and farmers have found them to be not only profitable but also useful for keeping monkeys and other wild animals away from their farms, which has long been a major challenge in the region, TOI reported.

In Almora’s Takula region, nearly 300 farmers have taken up Damask rose farming. The Centre for Aromatic Plants (CAP) has also extended the project to Garur block in Bageshwar, where 50 farmers in Amoli village are now growing roses on about two hectares of land. CAP supports these farmers with training, technical help, and access to buyers.

Among the new wave of growers is Manoj Giri, who was employed as a hotel employee in Delhi and returned to his native Gananath village in Takula. Now, he earns around Rs 70,000 a year by selling dried petals and rose water, and is preparing to produce rose oil, an expensive product that can fetch lakhs of rupees per kilogram, according to the report.

In nearby Bhakuna village, Meena Bisht has built her own business. While her husband teaches at a local school, Meena runs a rose farm and makes a range of products including herbal teas, perfumes, and incense sticks. She earns nearly Rs 1 lakh a year, with buyers coming from cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Chandigarh. She now plans to lease more land to expand her operations.

"Rose cultivation requires low investment and minimal water, yet offers high returns," Vijay Bimola, CAP's district in-charge told TOI. The organisation not only provides technical support but also helps farmers connect with buyers. At a recent Damask Rose Festival hosted at CAP's Satellite Centre in Takula, both farmers and tourists turned up in large numbers.