Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation Ltd. (KSIC) has bagged a large order of 10,000 saris from the public sector airline, Air India as the flight attendants will now sport Mysore Silk saris. This single bulk order is worth Rs. 6.5 crore, but that the product’s popularity to soar sky-high, according to the KSIC Chairman B. Basavaraju.

Mr. Basavaraju said that Mysore Silk was selected after assessment of its quality in comparison with other brands. Renowned internationally for its quality and splendour, the Mysore Silk sari has been accorded the GI (Geographical Indication) tag, which is held by the KSIC.

Apart from being exported to various countries, it is patronized by models and film stars. The Mysore silk saris are presented to visiting dignitaries and the company makes elaborate logistic arrangements to despatch saris and shalyas, used by the men folk. KSIC even gets orders from the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The Mysore silk saris are produced at the KSIC factory in Mysuru. Electronic jacquard machines are used for the manufacturing saris which have further enhanced their quality. The cost of the saris ranges from Rs.12,000 to Rs. 2.5 lakh each.

KSIC will be installing 10 such electronic jacquard machines at a cost of Rs. 60 lakh. Besides, machinery worth Rs.1.35 crore will be imported from China to shore up the quality of yarn and fabric. This will be installed at T. Narsipura.

Besides this the KSIC to curb the sale of duplicate versions of Mysore Silk saris in the market, the authorities are cracking down on them.

The KSIC will be participating at the Vibant Gujarat international summit to be held from January 7 to 13. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has agreed to visit the KSIC stall.