Israel-Iran war disrupts Rajasthan's Mehendi trade

ANIRajasthan: West Asia crisis disrupts Sojat's Mehendi trade Pali (Rajasthan): The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has begun to impact Rajasthan's globally renowned mehendi (Henna) industry in Sojat, with exports hit, production slowing, and crores worth of consignments stuck at ports.

Located in the Pali district, Sojat subdivision is uniquely known for its large-scale mehendi production, attributed to its distinct soil and climatic conditions.

Also read: LPG scarcity hits Rishikesh hospitality sector ahead of Char Dham Yatra The region's mehendi enjoys a strong reputation across India and abroad, widely used for adornment, religious rituals, and preferred by women, including leading Bollywood actresses.

The product has also gained international recognition, with usage extending to global markets. The product enjoys widespread popularity not only across India but also in international markets, including the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Europe.

Live Events However, traders say the continuing conflict has severely impacted business operations, with its ripple effects being felt across countries, cities and even rural markets.

They said that even during the COVID-19 lockdown, business was not affected as severely as it is now due to the war. Sojat has more than 150 factories, many of which have either slowed down or halted production.

Exporters in Sojat have goods worth approximately ₹250 crore stuck at ports and warehouses. The industry, which has an annual turnover of ₹4,000-5,000 crore, has come to a sudden halt due to the conflict.

Production has dropped by nearly 80%, and the pace of operations in many factories continues to decline.