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Indian Natural Stone Industry set to shine at STONA 2025 amidst challenges & opportunities
OdishaRay
Bengaluru (07/02/2025): The Indian natural stone industry, a vital contributor to the country's economy and cultural heritage, is gearing up for STONA 2025, India's premier international stone fair at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Tumkur Road.As the industry navigates regulatory hurdles, supply chain disruptions, and international competition, STONA 2025 promises to be a beacon of hope and growth. "We are excited to host STONA 2025, which will bring together industry stakeholders, innovators, and enthusiasts from around the world," said Krishna Prasad, President, Federation of Indian Granite and Stone Industry (FIGSI)."This event will showcase India's rich natural stone heritage and provide a platform for businesses to connect, collaborate, and grow." Despite its potential, the Indian natural stone industry faces several challenges."The industry is struggling with raw material shortages, regulatory bottlenecks, and unfair competition from artificial materials," said Krishna Prasad, President, FIGSI."We need to conducive atmosphere for the industry to perform and deliver.This requires serious attention towards the Stone industry to solve the issues faced and also the implementation of best practises around the world to ensure level playing field." Policy Reforms and Industry Advocacy- FIGSI has been advocating for key policy changes, including granting quarry leases to 50 years with guaranteed renewals, rationalizing royalty rates, and reducing GST on raw blocks and slabs."We believe there should be the reforms like “One Nation One Mineral One Policy” which will help the industry achieve its full potential and contribute significantly to India's economic growth," said Krishna Prasad, President, FIGSI. Leveraging Technology and Skill Development-To address the shortage of skilled personnel, FIGSI has come up with two state-of-the-art training and skill development centres in Hosur, Tamil Nadu and Jaipur, Rajasthan."We are committed to bridging the skills gap and ensuring a steady supply of skilled professionals to the industry," said Krishna Prasad, President, FIGSI. Program of STONA 2025- When explaining the STONA 2025 fair, Manoj Kumar Singh, General Secretary, FIGSI gave the below details: Program Details:February 12,2025.Timing-11.00 AM- Inaugural Function. February 13,2025 10.30 to 13.30- Geology Seminar. February 15, 2025 11.00 AM- Valedictory Function. Dignitaries at the Inaugural and Valedictory Inaugural function:The Fair will be inaugurated by Chief Guests - S.S Mallikarjun, Minister of Mines & Geology and Horticulture and Dr.Ramalingareddy, Minister for Transport and Muzrai, Government of Karnataka on February 12, 2025. Krishan Kumar Vishnoi, Minister of State for Commerce and Industries, Government of Rajasthan will be the Guest of Honour on February 12, 2025. Geology Seminar:Interactive Seminar on Geology on February 13,2025, wherein the topic would be “Skilling and Use of Technology for Safe and Sustainable Mining”.The experienced speakers, policy makers and practitioners would be speaking at the Seminar to enlighten the industry. Valedictory function: Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka D K Shiva Kumar will be the Chief Guest for the Valedictory function on February 15, 2025. Awards and Honours:It is the customary of FIGSI to recognize and award best people in the industry in the area of Exports, Quarry, Machinery, Tools during STONA fair.In STONA 2025 we are giving away the below awards: Category 1 - Life Time Achievement Award, Category 2 – Honouring the Sculptor Sri Arun Yogiraj, Category 3 – Industry Awards, Model Granite and Marble Quarries Export Excellence,Machinery and Tools. Category 4 – Meritorious Student Award in the field of Geology. The awards will be given away by Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka D K Shiva Kumar at the Valedictory function will be held on February 15, 2025. STONA 2025 is the 3rd largest STONE exhibition in the world after Italy and China fairs, the total exhibition area is 45,000 sq mtrs and expected business is to the tune of Rs.1000 Crore appx said Madan Lal Jangid, Chairman STONA 2025.In STONA 2025 there are 5 halls and one outdoor area for the exhibition.About 500 exhibitors and thousands of visitors from across the globe will be visiting the fair and the latest innovations in natural stones, machinery, tools, abrasives will be displayed.There are 04 international pavilions and 18 countries are participating in the fair. STONA 2025 will showcase 'Shilpgram' to promote rural artisans to display their artefacts and we have allotted 25 stalls to many artisans who are coming from different parts of the country added Madan Lal Jangid, Chairman STONA 2025.