KSIC to open showroom in US

Mysore, May 15 (UNI) Karnataka Silk Industrial Corporation (KSIC), the makers of the famed 'Mysore Silk' sarees, will open a new showroom at Maryland in the United States, to cater to the demands of the large number of Indian expatriates.

Talking to newspersons here today, Karnataka Sericulture Minister S Shivanna said KSIC was also planning to set up more showrooms in other countries following the upsurge in demand for Mysore Silk sarees, considered as one of the best silk fabrics in the world.

KSIC would cancel the existing wholesale marketing facilities with the private distributors to eliminate fake products sold in the name of KSIC, he said.

The Minister said the government had asked the KSIC to produce the low cost silk sarees, which could be affordable to the poor.

KSIC had also been instructed to involve Stree Shakthi women Self Help Groups (SHGs) in marketing the products in the State.

He said KSIC would adopt new technology in silk production to compete with the global market where the demand for its finished silk products was high, he added.

After visiting the century old silk factory here, he said the government would take up upgradation and modernisation of silk weaving factory.

Later he also visited the Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute (CSRTI) and regretted that modern technology was yet to reach the silk growers.

He was surprised to find nearly 100 sericulture farms owned by the government had become defunct and recommended its closure.

Mr Shivanna said the State would implement a new silk policy for comprehensive development of the sector.

KSIC Managing Director P Vijaya, who accompanied the Minister said KSIC would introduce online marketing soon to help its customers.

UNI