Local farmers in Lanzhou pick the Kushui roses. [Photo/cn.chinadaily.com.cn]

Lanzhou has unveiled a comprehensive plan (2025-30) to guide the high-quality development of its distinctive Kushui rose industry, marking the start of a new phase of standardized, branded, and regulated growth for this historic crop.

Recognized as one of China's four major rose varieties and a rare selenium-rich species grown in Kushui town of Lanzhou on plateaus, the Kushui rose holds a national geographical indication certification and is a top regional public brand in Gansu province. With 6,773 hectares under cultivation, an annual output of 25 million kilograms of fresh flowers, and over 250 derived products across six categories, the industry's total value now stands at 2.8 billion yuan ($394.46 million), making it a veritable "golden business card" for local agricultural prosperity.

The plan sets clear targets for 2030: expanding cultivation to over 8,666.7 hectares, increasing annual fresh flower production to 42 million kg, producing 1,800 kg of rose essential oil, and raising the total value of the industrial chain to over 6 billion yuan. Six major tasks are prioritized, including improved cultivar promotion, new product R&D, agritourism integration, brand building, marketing enhancement, and digital industry development.

To strengthen core competitiveness, Lanzhou is collaborating with research institutions to complete a full genome sequencing of the Kushui rose, establishing a "genetic ID" to clarify its unique traits. Furthermore, new local standards for Kushui roses will take effect in March 2026, specifying origin limits and technical requirements across the supply chain, supported by a traceability system to ensure consumer confidence.