Bengaluru, 13th February 2025: “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 ₹ 50000 crore to ₹ 100000 crore. Today upgradation of technology has made processing of stones very efficient,” stated Shri Krishan Kumar Vishnoi, Hon’ble Minister of State for Commerce & Industries, Govt of Rajasthan while inaugurating the STONA 2025 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre here today.
Commending the organizers 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, and 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.”