Now, LGD growers to be prodded to move to SDB
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Among the leading LGD players, Kira Diamond, a sister concern of Kiran Gems, has an office in SDB, while a few natural diamond companies, such as Shree Ramkrishna Exports and Dharmanandan Diamonds, have operational offices there too.
Recently, minister of state of home Harsh Sanghavi met 700-odd traders and brokers from Mahidharpura in the presence of Govind Dholakia, BJP Rajya Sabha member and leading diamond unit owners.
He urged the businessmen to start offices in SDB on Jan 23, 2026, the auspicious day of Vasant Panchmi according to Vikram Samvat. The traders assured Sanghavi they would start work on furniture and move to SDB.
"After the Mahidharpura businessmen, we are going to encourage LGD growers, manufacturers and traders to start operations in SDB. Some leading players have already bought premises there and are getting them furnished," Sanghavi told TOI.
Some top LGD growers and processors are yet to open offices in SDB. These companies are the top LGD suppliers to the world. Efforts are being made for all segments of the market to shift to SDB, to create an ecosystem for proper functioning of the market. Processors of natural diamonds and LGDs are being encouraged to open offices to display their products. This will speed up trade.
"It is important that all segments start operating at SDB.
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That will give shape to a market where the full spectrum of the trade is possible at one place with world-class infrastructure," added Sanghavi.
Several efforts have been made to make SDB operational in the last four years, and the inauguration by PM Narendra Modi in Dec 2023 was one of the major pushes. However, due to adverse market conditions in diamond processing and trading, businesses are sceptical about starting operations at a new place.
At SDB, banks, locker facilities and state-of-the-art security arrangements already exist. Angadia services will be on offer from Jan 2026, making it easy for businesses to transfer valuables and cash. A customs office has also been made operational. Bus services from various areas will be provided for smooth transport.
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