STONA 2025: A Grand Showcase of Natural Stone Innovation and Heritage

Introduction

The natural stone industry is set to shine at STONA 2025, India’s premier international stone fair, happening from February 12 to 15 at the Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre. This globally renowned event will bring together 500 exhibitors from India and around the world, showcasing cutting-edge machinery, tools, and the finest natural stone creations. Attendees can expect to witness breakthrough technologies, new material trends, and an immersive experience that highlights the grandeur of natural stone craftsmanship.

A Premier Global Exhibition

Recognized as the third-largest stone exhibition worldwide, STONA 2025 will feature an expanded 45,000 sq.m. of exhibition space spread across five halls and outdoor areas. The event will not only serve as a networking and knowledge-sharing platform but also as a dynamic stage for live demonstrations, product launches, and an impressive sculptural extravaganza featuring national award-winning sculptors showcasing their finest works.

Adding to the grandeur, the event will feature four international pavilions, with participants from 18 countries, reinforcing STONA’s position as a key global hub for the natural stone industry. The presence of international delegations will provide deeper insights into emerging market trends and foster cross-border collaborations.

Key Attractions at STONA 2025

• Live Demonstrations: Witness artisans crafting exquisite sculptures in real-time, displaying intricate skills passed down through generations.
• Shilpgram: A dedicated space promoting rural artisans, offering them a platform to showcase their work and sell unique handcrafted stone artifacts. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between heritage craftsmanship and contemporary market demands.
• Interactive Seminar on Geology (Feb 13): Experts and policymakers will discuss “Skilling and the Use of Technology for Safe and Sustainable Mining.” The session will explore ways to integrate innovation with traditional mining techniques to enhance sustainability.
• Business Networking: A strategic opportunity for industry stakeholders, innovators, and natural stone enthusiasts to collaborate and explore new opportunities. International buyers, architects, designers, and construction professionals will have an exclusive space to engage with exhibitors and forge potential partnerships.

Challenges Facing the Indian Natural Stone Industry

While India’s natural stone industry boasts a rich heritage and an enviable range of stones, it faces several challenges:

• Raw Material Shortage: Industry players continue to struggle with access to quality raw materials, hindering large-scale production.
• Regulatory Bottlenecks: Stringent regulations and bureaucratic delays have slowed the sector’s growth, affecting ease of doing business.
• Unfair Competition: Artificial stone alternatives are increasingly posing a threat to the market, often replicating the aesthetic of natural stone at lower costs but with reduced durability.
• Sustainability Concerns: Mining practices need to be optimized to balance industry growth with environmental responsibility.

According to Krishna Prasad, President of the Federation of Indian Granite and Stone Industry (FIGSI), addressing these challenges is key to unlocking the industry’s full potential. Industry leaders are advocating for balanced reforms that would enable long-term growth while ensuring ecological sustainability.

Advocating for Industry Growth: One Nation, One Mineral, One Policy

FIGSI has long championed policy reforms aimed at supporting the industry’s growth. Some of their key demands include:

• 50-Year Quarry Lease Tenures with guaranteed renewals to provide stability and encourage long-term investment.
• Rationalization of Royalty Rates to ease financial burdens on manufacturers and exporters, making Indian stone more competitive in the global market.
• Reduction of GST on Raw Blocks and Slabs to create a level playing field and enhance affordability for end-users.
• Sustainable Mining Practices: Implementing eco-friendly quarrying techniques and reducing environmental impact to align with global green initiatives.

A unified “One Nation, One Mineral, One Policy” framework is seen as crucial to ensuring the sustainable growth of the natural stone industry. This policy would streamline regulations, eliminate regional disparities, and encourage uniformity in compliance standards.

Skilling the Workforce for the Future

One of the pressing issues in the industry is the shortage of skilled labor. To tackle this, FIGSI has established state-of-the-art training and skill development centers in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, and Jaipur, Rajasthan. These centers aim to bridge the skills gap and ensure a steady supply of trained professionals for the industry’s growing needs.

Additionally, workshops and certification programs will be introduced during STONA 2025, offering artisans and industry professionals the opportunity to upskill and adapt to modern technological advancements. This initiative will further enhance the quality of craftsmanship and promote innovation in stone design.

STONA 2025: A Prestigious Inauguration & Awards Ceremony

The event will be inaugurated by Karnataka’s Minister of Mines and Geology, S.S. Mallikarjun, and Minister for Transport and Muzrai, Ramalinga Reddy, along with Rajasthan’s Minister of State for Commerce and Industries, Krishnan Kumar Vishnoi.

The final day, February 15, will see industry leaders and artisans being honored for their contributions. The Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, D.K. Shivakumar, will present awards recognizing excellence in exports, quarrying, machinery, and tools. Notably, a special award will be presented to the esteemed sculptor Arun Yogiraj, known for his exquisite craftsmanship in marble and granite.

Additionally, FIGSI will introduce a Meritorious Student Award to encourage young scholars in the field of geology, fostering the next generation of industry experts. This initiative underscores the importance of academic contributions to the sector’s evolution.

Conclusion: STONA 2025 – A Must-Attend Event for the Industry

STONA 2025 is more than just an exhibition; it is a platform for innovation, collaboration, and industry growth. With a stellar lineup of exhibitors, thought-provoking seminars, and a rich showcase of craftsmanship, the event is poised to set new benchmarks in the global natural stone industry.

Whether you’re an industry stakeholder, artisan, or enthusiast, STONA 2025 promises unparalleled opportunities to engage, learn, and contribute to the future of the natural stone industry. The event will serve as a bridge between heritage and modernity, ensuring that India remains at the forefront of the global natural stone landscape.