Demand Surge For Mysore Silk Sarees In Recent Years So Is The Profit Of KSIC

BENGALUR: Mysore Silk sarees have fascinated women since their inception in 1912; Its demand in the market has increased rapidly in recent years as the concerned authorities started introducing new colors, color combinations and designs in Mysore Silk sarees, exceeding the sales/turnover every year. Mysore Silk saris are sold at a starting price of Rs 25,000 to Rs 3.5 lakh per sari.

An indication of the increasing popularity of Mysore Silk sarees among women in the last few years is reflected in the annual turnover/sales of the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation Limited, which manufactures Mysore Silk sarees.

Turnover was 126.37 billion rupees in 2020-21 and 296.20 billion rupees in 2024-25. The increase in turnover brought KSIC more profits. If the profit was 36.45 billion rupees (before tax) in 2020-21, it was 136.90 billion rupees (before tax) in 2024-25. After tax, KSIC made a profit of 101.15 billion rupees. As far as sales of Mysore Silk are concerned, gross sales of Rs 152.35 billion were recorded in 2020-21 and gross sales of Rs 332.15 billion were recorded in 2024-25.

Among KSIC’s various products like dhotis for men, silk ties, printed silks and others, sales of Mysore Silk sarees account for huge sales while other products are breaking records at around 2-3 per cent for KSIC, which is an initiative of the State Government.

KSIC Managing Director Zaheera Naseem told Deccan Chronicle on Tuesday that the demand for Mysore Silk sarees has increased like never before, attributing the success behind the increasing popularity of Mysore Silk sarees to the introduction of new colors in sarees, along with various color combinations and new patterns being added to make it more attractive for women and this idea is working by attracting more women to buy Mysore Silk sarees.

“It all started two and a half years ago,” said Zaheera Naseem, who took charge as MD of KSIC two and a half years ago. To attract women’s interest in Mysore Silk sarees, he said, “We examine the colors/patterns demanded and initiate changes at regular intervals, if necessary.”

Regarding online sales, KSIC General Manager said, “online sales will not stop. We are working to reduce the demand in the market.” Meanwhile, he said, negotiations are continuing with the workers’ union to increase shifts in order to increase production.

Naveen Kumar, General Manager, Sales (KSIC), said, “Not many customers are aware that Mysore Silk sarees fit women perfectly even if they are obese. Mysore Silk sarees keep the wearer cool in summer and warmer in winter. This is because Mysore Silk sarees are made of mulberry and crepe.”

“There is no direct competition for Mysore Silk sarees in the market with other silk sarees produced in other states,” Naveen said.

A customer Ashwini said that she bought a Mysore Silk saree for Rs 58,000 from the KSIC outlet in the factory premises in Mysuru city and it was the Mysore Silk saree that fascinated her the most.