(MENAFN- KNN India)
Bengaluru, Jan 30 (KNN) The Federation of Indian Granite & Stone industry has announced the 16th edition of STONA 2025, its international granite and stone fair, scheduled to take place at the Bangalore International exhibition Centre from February 12 to 15.
The event will showcase new offerings in marble, granite, and other stones from eighteen participating countries, according to a statement released by the Federation.
Federation President Krishna Prasad highlighted India's position as one of the world's top five granite producers, with substantial reserves estimated at 46.23 billion cubic meters and a workforce of 2.5 million people.
Despite this significant presence, Prasad emphasised that the industry faces multiple challenges requiring immediate government intervention, including raw material shortages, regulatory obstacles, supply chain disruptions, and complex policies surrounding quarry leases and environmental clearances.
India's natural stone industry holds a prominent position globally, possessing 15 of the world's natural stone reserves. The sector has achieved exports exceeding USD 2 billion, with Karnataka state alone contributing Rs 2,000 crore.
However, the industry's growth has been constrained by acute raw material shortages stemming from quarry closures across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
Additionally, increasing competition from artificial materials such as quartz and porcelain has presented additional market challenges.
According to Prasad, the industry currently operates with a relatively low recovery rate of saleable stone blocks, ranging from 5 to 20 percent.
However, he expressed optimism about the sector's potential, stating that with appropriate policy support and technological advancement, the industry could achieve annual growth rates of 8 to 10 percent, complemented by export growth ranging from 15 to 20 percent.
(KNN Bureau)
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