Damask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) cultivation as a sustainable livelihood Model: Economic viability and scalability in the Indian Himalayas

Rural out-migration and subsistence agriculture remain persistent challenges in the Indian Himalayan Region, particularly in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. This study evaluates the economic viability, scalability and socio-ecological impact of Damask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) cultivation as a sustainable mountain agriculture model. A mixed-methods approach combining community-managed nursery establishment, household surveys, performance monitoring and capacity-building (2023–2025) was implemented in Dhauntari and Bhetiyara villages under the Chief Minister Research Promotion Scheme. Vegetative propagation of 2,000 cuttings achieved an overall survival rate of 89%. The pilot demonstrated a 3.75× multiplication of planting stock in one year, raising revenue from Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 22,500, with a projected 4.48× expansion generating Rs. 1,00,800 in year three. Direct and indirect employment grew from 6 persons to a projected 22 at scaled operations and 50 at commercial scale. Women’s participation indicators improved by an average of 347.5%, with the largest gains in leadership roles (800%), technical skill acquisition (750%) and independent income generation (433%). Compared with traditional crops, Damask rose showed a 6.0× higher net profit per acre, 100% reduction in pesticide use, 147% higher carbon sequestration and 220% higher pollinator support. Integration with apiculture added Rs. 1,10,250 per acre annually. A consistent 275% three-year ROI was obtained across micro (Rs. 10,000) to commercial (Rs. 2,50,000) scales. Damask rose cultivation, coupled with value addition (rose water, essential oil, gulkand, rose tea) and apiculture integration, offers a robust, replicable and women-led model for addressing rural out-migration, diversifying livelihoods and promoting environmental sustainability across similar Himalayan regions.