Mysore silk shines with GI tag

Mysore, Dec 20 (UNI) The Geographical Indications (GI) tag has done wonders for Mysore silk sarees, renowned across the world for their unique sheen and regal look, with the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC), which produced the traditional silk sarees, posting a profit of Rs one crore for the first time.

The KSIC sources told UNI here that the sanction of GI tag in November 2005 had led to an increase in the demand for the products of the KSIC, which until now was reeling under an accumulated loss of Rs 56 crore.

The global demand for Mysore silk had spawned a formidable imitation industry, which was cheating thousands of gullible customers by passing off inferior quality silk as the authentic Mysore one. The GI registration had checked the trade in fake silk and helped the KSIC achieve turnaround, the sources said.

They said post the GI tag, the KSIC had increased its production from 28,000-30,000 metres of fabric every month (4,000-5,000 sarees) to about 35,000 metres now (about 6,000 sarees).

The KSIC, which had ten exclusive showrooms in Mysore, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad, was keen to expand its network to other cities across the country. Besides, online sales were also picking up, they added.

The KSIC had about 115 designs and 300 colour shades in its repertoire, with traditional designs occupying the pride of place.

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