"It is time we encourage "Make in India" and Indian youth and offer them more opportunities, improve their skills and eventually grow the stone & granite industry from Rs 50000 crore to Rs 100000 crore. Today upgradation of technology has made processing of stones very efficient,” stated Shri Krishan Kumar Vishnoi, Minister of State for Commerce & Industries, Govt of Rajasthan while inaugurating the STONA 2025 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre.
Commending the organisers for their outstanding exhibit, bringing under one platform the various stakeholders of the natural stone industry, both at the national and international level, besides lending a stage to traditional artisans, Shri Vishnoi thanked Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi.
Suggesting FIGSI to look into various aspects of global development in terms of technology intervention, processing of waste generated at the quarrying sites, through research and development in their Centres of Excellence, he added, “This will also bring in value addition and provide skill sets to labour associated with the natural stone industry.”
The 16th edition of the bi-annual STONA, the third largest international Stone Fair, opened its doors to a packed audience in Bengaluru today at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre. STONA 2025 is host to over 3500 stalls spanning over an area of more than 46,000 Sqm with country pavilions from 18 countries.
Referring to the current challenges faced by the natural stone industry, Mr Krishna Prasad, President FIGSI, said, “We look forward to the new amendments from the State to iron out the challenges the industry is currently facing.”
Besides the stalls, STONA 2025 will also be hosting a seminar pertaining to geology, on the topic of ‘Skilling and use of technology for safe and sustainable mining’ where scientists and eminent speakers will participate. Given the strong intent to promote stone artisans of India, the Stone Fair also has a special set of stalls called Shilpgram where close to 25 artisans from across the country have their stalls, exhibiting their skills and wares.
“The Shilpgram initiative of STONA facilitates direct interaction of artisans with prospective buyers, both at the national and international level, giving them exposure to what the market needs as well as to the consumers on the extent of skills that our traditional artisans harbour”, added Mr Manoj Kumar Singh, Secretary, FIGSI.
Commenting on the sustainability quotient of the natural stone industry, especially the quarry waste, Mr S Krishna Prasad stated, “Currently the accumulation of quarry waste is posing a threat to environment. Yet, this waste can be constructively utilised as a value added product such as in the use of aggregates, M-sand, usage in road construction and much more. The waste needs to be viewed as an asset and used in accordance.”
About: Federation of Indian Granite and Stone Industry–STONA 2025:
Federation of Indian Granite and Stone Industry (FIGSI) is a nonprofit all India organization serving the natural stone industry of India from the last 41 years and having 1500 members across the country. FIGSI has become the voice of the Indian natural stone industry. FIGSI works to grow the industry and serve the nation. The Federation works as a bridge between the Industry and Various Government Departments in Central and State level. It proactively promotes up-gradation of technology aimed at mine safety, productivity, cost efficiency and quality improvement. The Chief objective of the Federation being promotion of the Natural Stone Industries, which come under the category of Ornamental or Decorative building stones like Granites, Marbles, Sandstones, Slates, Quartzite and ancillary and auxiliary Industries of Machinery, Tools, Abrasives, Consumables related to stone Industries and conduct Conferences, workshops on each and every aspect of Stone Industry.
Over the years it has created maximum awareness in the international stone markets for exotic Indian stones and brought continuous interaction between Indian Stone industries and World Stone Trade.
Federation conducts international stone fair popularly known as STONA which is well recognized all over the world and it is 3rd largest stone fair in all over world. STONA enjoys participation of who’s who of the industry both national and international, as exhibitors and visitors. It provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the products in an increasingly competitive environment and interact with Industry.
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