Bengaluru: With surging orders outstripping supply, Karnataka govt has suspended online sale of hugely popular Mysuru silk saris, which carry a blend of pure mulberry silk, gold zari, and silver threads.Sericulture minister K Venkatesh told the legislative assembly Monday the online sale of saris produced by Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation had been stopped so that limited stock could be prioritised for buyers visiting its exclusive outlets.KSIC had launched online sales to make saris, which have been granted GI tag, accessible to customers outside the state. The corporation has been producing saris since 1912. It currently produces 300-400 saris a day. Its collective output for the past three years stood at 3.1 lakh saris, with just 1,000 remaining unsold in the period.The minister said online sales would resume once production stabilises. He attributed the spike in demand to the high quality of saris. KSIC sources premium cocoons mostly from govt markets in Sidlaghatta, Ramanagara and Kollegal within Karnataka.“There is a huge competition in procuring the high quality cocoons from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and other states. However, we are making efforts to procure quality cocoons,” Venkatesh said.Replying to a question by BJP MLA T S Srivatsa, Venkatesh said the popularity of saris was evident during special discount sales. “Since saris with defects remain unsold, we offer 25% to 50% discounts. During these special sales, we notice people queuing up from 3am,” he said.Urban development minister BS Suresh, opposition leader R Ashoka and other members urged Venkatesh to secure adequate funds to expand KSIC operations and increase sari production. Suresh suggested that KSIC could consider increasing sari prices and improving employee salaries to help sustain the legacy of Mysuru silk.The minister said KSIC’s financial performance had improved significantly in recent years. The corporation recorded a profit of Rs 101 crore in 2024–25 by selling more than one lakh saris. It had reported a profit of Rs 73 crore in 2023–24 and Rs 46 crore in 2022–23.To meet growing demand, the govt has installed 10 e-jacquard looms (advanced weaving technology) at the integrated weaving unit-2 and 20 such machines at the weaving unit in Channapatna, increasing production by about 7,500 metres per month.GFXYearNo. of saris soldNet sales (Rs in crore)Net profit (Rs in crore)2022-2398,277206.346.72023-241,08,035248.473.42024-251,03,347296.2101.1Source: KSIC
