The Damask roses at a plantation base, covering an area of nearly 70 mu (4.67 hectares) in Shizhuang village of Hai'an, a county-level city in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, are now in full bloom.

The Damask rose is the best variety for extracting essential oil and hydrosols used in cosmetics production.

In recent years, Shizhuang village has developed a rose planting and processing industry to promote rural vitalization and increasing farmers' incomes.

Chen Yadong, director of the village committee, said that roses began being planted in the village in 2020.

According to Chen, local authorities have made many efforts, such as consulting with experts and visiting the fields, to improve traditional rose-planting technology.

The rose planting has not only increased the incomes of more than 30 low-income households in the surrounding area, but also brought more than 80,000 yuan ($11,513) in net income to the village's collective economy, Chen added.

"We can earn more than 120 yuan a day during peak times, and more than 80 yuan during off-peak times," said Gu Jianfeng, a villager who works in the rose planting base.

After several years of development, the Damask rose planted in Shizhuang village has gained a foothold in the fresh flower market all over the country due to its high quality, competitive price, and ease of transport.

Workers process the Damask rose at a plantation base in Shizhuang village. [Photo/ntjoy.com]