The Mysore silk industry transforms 50,000 tons of mulberry leaves into 9,000 MT of raw silk annually, making Karnataka India’s largest silk producer contributing 65% of national output worth Rs 8,000 crores. From 100,000 farming families growing mulberry on 2 lakh hectares to 50,000 weavers creating sarees selling for Rs 5,000 to Rs 5 lakhs, this industry defines Mysore’s economic and cultural identity. Visit KSIC (Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation) factory where 500 looms produce 5,000 sarees monthly, and witness the complete journey from cocoon to masterpiece.
Historical Evolution of Silk Production
Tipu Sultan initiated sericulture in 1785 bringing silk worms from China, establishing mulberry cultivation in Mysore, Bangalore, and Kolar districts. The industry struggled until Maharaja Chamaraja Wadiyar X’s reign (1881-1894) when Japanese expert Murata brought scientific techniques. By 1900, Mysore produced 100 MT silk annually.
The 1912 establishment of Government Silk Factory (now KSIC) mechanized production. Italian expert Cansiani introduced modern reeling machines increasing quality. Post-independence expansion saw production grow from 500 MT (1950) to current 9,000 MT. The Rs 100 crore industry of 1980 became Rs 8,000 crore giant by 2024.
Mulberry Cultivation Foundation
Mysore district’s 25,000 hectares under mulberry cultivation involves 20,000 farming families. The V1 variety developed by Central Sericulture Research Institute yields 60 MT leaves per hectare annually. Farmers earn Rs 200-300 per kg leaves with 5-6 harvests yearly generating Rs 3-4 lakhs per hectare income.
Drip irrigation adoption increased from 10% (2010) to 60% (2024) saving water while improving yield. Government subsidy of Rs 35,000 per hectare for drip installation encouraged adoption. Organic mulberry farming, though just 5% currently, fetches 30% premium as health-conscious consumers prefer chemical-free silk.
Silkworm Rearing Process
Farmers purchase Disease Free Layings (DFLs) from government grainage centers at Rs 3-5 per laying. Each DFL contains 400-500 eggs hatching into larvae feeding on mulberry leaves. The 28-day lifecycle requires precise temperature (25-28°C) and humidity (70-80%) maintenance. Modern rearing houses with environment control increased cocoon yield from 40 kg to 70 kg per 100 DFLs.
The bivoltine hybrid varieties (CSR2 x CSR4) produce superior quality cocoons compared to traditional multivoltine. Cocoon harvesting on 5th day after spinning critical – early harvesting reduces silk quantity, late damages quality. Farmers sell cocoons at government regulated markets ensuring fair prices – currently Rs 400-600 per kg.
Reeling and Yarn Production
Mysore has 5,000 reeling units employing 30,000 workers, 80% women. The multi-end reeling machines extract 800-1,200 meters continuous filament from each cocoon. Skilled reelers handle 8-10 cocoons simultaneously maintaining uniform denier (thickness). Daily wages Rs 400-600 attract workers despite mechanization threats.
Automatic reeling machines at KSIC and private units produce international quality 2A-3A grade silk. The waste silk from reeling becomes spun silk for lower-grade products. Raw silk prices fluctuate Rs 3,500-5,500 per kg based on quality and demand. China imports impact local prices causing farmer distress periodically.
KSIC – Government Silk Production
Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation established 1912 operates from 70,000 sq ft facility in Mysore employing 1,500 workers. The integrated unit handles reeling, twisting, dyeing, weaving, and marketing. Annual production of 60,000 sarees and 2 lakh meters fabric generates Rs 150 crores revenue.
The weaving section’s 300 handlooms and 200 power looms produce pure silk sarees from Rs 5,000 to Rs 2 lakhs. Master weavers earning Rs 30,000 monthly create intricate zari designs taking 15-30 days per saree. The dyeing unit uses 200+ shades with computerized color matching ensuring consistency.
Private Sector Weaving Clusters
T. Narasipura taluk’s 10,000 handlooms in 50 villages form Karnataka’s largest weaving cluster. Family-run units with 2-10 looms produce 1 lakh sarees monthly. The traditional pit looms gradually replaced by frame looms improving weaver comfort and productivity.
Ilkal, Molakalmuru, and Anekal clusters specialize in different saree styles. Master weavers train apprentices maintaining traditional designs – temple borders, floral motifs, geometric patterns. Young weavers increasingly reluctant to continue family tradition as IT jobs offer better income without physical strain.
Design Innovation and Fashion Trends
Traditional Mysore silk sarees feature gold zari borders, rich pallu, and pure silk body. The weight (400-800 grams) and lustre distinguish genuine Mysore silk. Contemporary designers experiment with lighter fabrics (200-300 grams), fusion designs appealing to younger consumers.
Computer-aided design (CAD) introduction allows complex patterns previously impossible on handlooms. Digital printing on silk, though controversial among purists, expands design possibilities. Fashion weeks featuring Mysore silk help reposition traditional product for modern market.
Quality Control and Certification
Silk Mark certification by Central Silk Board guarantees pure silk. The hologram label with unique number enables verification through SMS/website. Testing laboratories in Mysore check purity, zari content, and fastness properties. Fake silk from polyester flooding market necessitates strict quality control.
Government’s Geographical Indication (GI) tag for ‘Mysore Silk’ protects authenticity. Only sarees woven in designated areas using prescribed techniques qualify. This protection helps maintain premium pricing against cheaper imitations.
Marketing and Distribution Network
KSIC operates 65 showrooms across Karnataka with flagship store on KR Circle, Mysore attracting 1,000 customers daily during season. Online sales through ksicmysoresilksarees.com contribute 15% revenue reaching international customers. The fixed pricing policy eliminates bargaining ensuring customer confidence.
Private retailers numbering 5,000+ in Mysore alone range from small shops to large showrooms. Devaraja Market’s 200+ silk shops offer variety and competitive pricing. Export to USA, UK, UAE, and Singapore generates Rs 500 crores annually. NRIs form major customer base purchasing during India visits.
Economic Impact and Employment
The silk value chain employs 8 lakh people in Karnataka – farmers, reelers, twisters, dyers, weavers, traders. Women constitute 60% workforce especially in reeling and weaving. Rural employment through sericulture prevents urban migration maintaining village economies.
Backward linkages include mulberry nurseries, silkworm egg production, equipment manufacturing. Forward linkages span retail, export, fashion design. The multiplier effect generates Rs 20,000 crores economic activity. Silk tourism adds Rs 100 crores with factory visits, shopping tours.
Government Support and Schemes
Karnataka Sericulture Department’s Rs 500 crore annual budget supports farmers through subsidies, training, market intervention. The price stabilization fund purchases cocoons when market prices fall below production cost. Interest-free loans for mulberry cultivation, rearing house construction encourage expansion.
Skill development programs train 5,000 youth annually in modern sericulture techniques. Women self-help groups receive special support for collective farming, value addition. The Resham Ghar scheme provides housing for silk workers improving living conditions.
Challenges Facing Industry
Chinese silk imports at Rs 2,500 per kg undercut local Rs 4,000 per kg silk threatening farmer livelihoods. Climate change affecting mulberry yield, silkworm diseases cause production fluctuations. Young generation’s reluctance to continue traditional occupation creates skilled worker shortage.
Rising input costs – labor, electricity, transportation – squeeze profit margins. Water scarcity impacts mulberry cultivation requiring drought-resistant varieties development. Competition from power looms threatens handloom weavers’ survival necessitating product differentiation.
Link to authentic silk shopping guide for buyers. Visit Karnataka Silk Research Institute for technical information.
Future Prospects and Innovations
Biotechnology applications developing disease-resistant silkworms, high-yielding mulberry varieties promise productivity gains. Automation in reeling and weaving improves quality while reducing labor dependence. Eco-friendly dyeing processes address environmental concerns attracting conscious consumers.
Value addition through designer collaborations, international fashion house partnerships expands market. Silk-based medical applications – surgical sutures, artificial skin – open new avenues. Tourism integration with sericulture farm stays, weaving workshops creates additional revenue.
FAQs About Mysore Silk Industry
How to identify genuine Mysore silk sarees?
Look for Silk Mark label, KSIC hologram, pure silk lustre, and weight (400+ grams). Burn test – pure silk smells like burning hair, leaves black crispy ash.
Why are Mysore silk sarees expensive?
Labor-intensive process, pure silk and zari usage, skilled craftsmanship justify prices. One saree requires 15-30 days work involving multiple artisans.
Where to buy authentic Mysore silk?
KSIC showrooms guarantee authenticity. Government emporiums, established private retailers in Devaraja Market reliable. Avoid street vendors, unverified online sellers.
Can we visit silk production facilities?
Yes, KSIC factory offers guided tours (Rs 50) showing complete process. Private farms, weaving units welcome visitors with prior arrangement.
What’s the difference between Mysore and Kanchipuram silk?
Mysore silk lighter, softer with subtle designs. Kanchipuram heavier, stiffer with bold temple borders. Mysore uses single warp-weft, Kanchipuram uses three-shuttle weaving.
Published: May 10, 2025 | Industry statistics updated annually