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Establishing R&D Center for Natural Stone Handicrafts

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  • Post last modified:November 21, 2025
R&D Center for Natural Stone Handicrafts: Government Schemes & Opportunities

Establishing R&D Center for Natural Stone Handicrafts

Comprehensive analysis of government schemes, subsidies, and opportunities for establishing a research and development center in India’s thriving handicraft sector.

Central Schemes
₹15+ Crores
State Support
100% Interest
Market Growth
10.1% CAGR
6
Lakh Artisans
in Rajasthan
90%
Sandstone Industry
Rajasthan Share
$3.5B
Indian Exports
Annual Handicrafts
80%
Grant Coverage
For Infrastructure

Executive Overview

Establishing an R&D center for natural stone handicrafts presents significant opportunities through government support schemes, with combined funding potential exceeding ₹15 crores across central and state programs.

Strategic Location

Mahindra World City SEZ, Jaipur offers multi-sector infrastructure with dedicated handicraft zones and excellent connectivity.

  • • 18km from Jaipur International Airport
  • • 21km from Railway Station
  • • Plug-and-play infrastructure

SEZ Benefits

Special Economic Zone advantages for handicraft manufacturing and export-oriented units.

  • • Nil import duty on raw materials
  • • Zero-rated GST benefits
  • • Income tax exemptions
  • • Relaxed labor regulations

Market Potential

Strong growth trajectory in natural stone handicrafts with expanding domestic and international demand.

  • • Global market: $1.25 trillion by 2028
  • • India exports: $3.5 billion annually
  • • 10.1% CAGR growth rate

Government Support Schemes

Comprehensive funding opportunities across central and state government programs designed to boost handicraft sector development.

Central Government Schemes

Common Facility Centers

Maximum Grant ₹3 Crores
Central Share 80%
Min. Area 5,000 sq ft

Shared infrastructure for production efficiency and quality control

Technology Upgradation

Maximum Grant ₹1.5 Crores
Funding Pattern 60:40
Focus Modern Machinery

Advanced equipment for productivity and quality enhancement

Testing Laboratories

Maximum Grant ₹1 Crore
Central Share 100%
Min. Area 1,500 sq ft

Quality assurance and standardization support

Crafts Village

Maximum Grant ₹10 Crores
Central Share 80%
Focus Tourism + Craft

Integrated living and working spaces for artisans

Skill Development

Training Grant 100%
Stipend ₹300/day
Duration 6 Months

Comprehensive training programs for artisans

Design Development

Designer Fee ₹55K/month
Duration 25-65 days
Participants 20-30 artisans

Innovation and design upgradation workshops

Rajasthan State Government Schemes

Interest Subvention

Rajasthan Handicraft Policy 2022

100%
Interest coverage on loans up to ₹3 lakhs
  • • Direct benefit to artisans
  • • No repayment burden
  • • Encourages entrepreneurship

Marketing Support

Infrastructure Development

50%
Cost sharing for marketing centers
  • • Permanent sales outlets
  • • Urban area establishment
  • • Maximum ₹1 lakh assistance

Market Opportunities

Natural stone handicrafts sector presents robust growth opportunities driven by infrastructure development, export demand, and technological advancement.

Global Market Trends

Global Handicrafts Market
$1.25 Trillion
by 2028
10.1%
CAGR Growth
$3.5B
India Exports

Technology Integration

CNC & 3D Printing
25% of production by 2025
Laser Engraving
5.2% CAGR growth
E-commerce Growth
40% annual increase

Rajasthan Advantage

90%
India’s sandstone production
6L
Skilled artisans
Blue Pottery Exports Middle East & America
Miniature Paintings US & Europe
Wooden Handicrafts Global Markets

Export Destinations

USA United States
40-50%
of total exports
UK United Kingdom
15%
market share
Germany Germany
12%
market share

Strategic Recommendations

Actionable roadmap for establishing a successful R&D center leveraging government schemes and market opportunities.

1

Foundation Phase

Initial Setup & Registration

SEZ Location Selection
Finalize Mahindra World City or alternative SEZ
Legal Entity Formation
Register as society/trust/educational institution
Initial Funding
Apply for 100% interest subsidy on ₹3L loan
Land Acquisition
RIICO industrial plots on concessional rates
Timeline: 3-6 months
Investment: ₹25-50 lakhs
2

Infrastructure Phase

Facility Development

Common Facility Center
Apply for ₹3 crores grant (80% central share)
Testing Laboratory
₹1 crore grant (100% central funding)
Technology Upgradation
₹1.5 crores (60:40 funding pattern)
Basic Infrastructure
Construction and utilities setup
Timeline: 12-18 months
Investment: ₹8-10 crores
3

Operations Phase

Program Launch & Scaling

Skill Development Programs
Launch 6-month training courses (₹300/day stipend)
Design Workshops
Monthly designer engagement (₹55K/month)
Market Linkages
Export promotion and domestic sales
Research & Innovation
Product development and technology integration
Timeline: 18+ months
Revenue: ₹2-5 crores/year

Success Metrics & KPIs

500+
Artisans Trained
Annually
50+
New Products
Developed
15+
Export Markets
Accessed
30%
Income Increase
For Artisans
StoneCraft R&D

Empowering artisans through innovation and government support

Research compiled from Ministry of Textiles, Rajasthan Government policies, and industry reports