War In Ukraine Hits Livelihood Of Lakhs Of Gujarat's Diamond Workers
NDTV
A diamond trader from Gujarat's Amreli said there is a shortage of rough diamond due to Russia-Ukraine war and they have to import diamonds from African countries at higher prices.
The Russia-Ukraine war has adversely affected the livelihood of lakhs of workers of the diamond industry in Gujarat, especially in rural parts of Saurashtra region where many units import small-size diamonds from Russia for processing and polishing, according to industry representatives.
The state's diamond industry employs nearly 15 lakh workers, the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council's regional chairman, Dinesh Navadiya, told PTI.
Due to the shortage of supply of small-size rough diamonds from Russia, businessmen in Gujarat are forced to buy the raw material from African countries and other places, affecting their profits.
Hence, the diamond units in the state have curtailed the working hours of their workers and polishers, thus impacting their livelihood, he said.