Bengaluru: The Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) has suspended online sales of the famed Mysore silk sarees after a sharp rise in orders outstripped
available supply. The decision was announced by K Venkatesh, Karnataka’s sericulture minister, during a session of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Monday.
Officials said the state-run corporation will now prioritise its limited stock for customers purchasing directly from KSIC’s exclusive retail outlets. The move comes as demand for the GI-tagged sarees made from pure mulberry silk and woven with gold zari and silver threads continues to rise sharply.
Mysore silk sarees online sales paused
The minister attributed the sudden surge in orders to the superior quality and growing popularity of Mysore silk sarees.
He told the Assembly that online sales would be restored once production levels improve and supply stabilises. KSIC had launched e-commerce sales to make the traditional weave accessible to customers living outside Karnataka.
KSIC has been producing Mysore silk sarees since 1912. At present, the corporation manufactures about 300–400 sarees a day. Over the past three years, its total output has reached around 3.1 lakh sarees, reflecting steady demand for the iconic weave.
The popularity of the sarees becomes particularly visible during discount events organised by the corporation.
“Since sarees with defects remain unsold, we offer 25 per cent to 50 per cent discounts. During these special sales, people queue up from 3am,” Venkatesh said, highlighting the strong consumer demand.
KSIC mainly sources premium cocoons from government-regulated markets in Sidlaghatta, Ramanagara and Kollegal.
However, securing high-quality cocoons has become increasingly competitive.
“There is huge competition in procuring high-quality cocoons from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and other states,” the minister said, adding that the government is taking steps to ensure stable supplies.
To address the growing demand, the state government has installed 30 e-jacquard looms, which have increased production by about 7,500 metres of fabric per month.
KSIC’s financial performance has also strengthened in recent years. The corporation recorded a profit of Rs 101 crore in 2024–25, up from Rs 73 crore in 2023–24 and Rs 46 crore in 2022–23, reflecting strong demand for the premium silk product.
