Weavers express concern over fluctuation in pure silk thread price as it is affecting the industry. According to weavers, the shop owners reduce orders when the silk threads price increase as they get fewer customers when they price the saris higher.

But business appears to be normal in silk sari shops at Chinthamaniyur, Semmandapatty and Panchukalipatty villages in Salem district.

K Subramaniam, a weaver said that Karnataka holds the monopoly in ‘pure’ silk thread business and they fix the price for the entire country. They were finding it difficult to sustain the business due to the fluctuating prices.

Six months ago, 1kg of pure silk thread was available in the market for Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000, depending on its quality. Now it is ranging between Rs 5,000 and Rs 5,500. It will go up further after adding 5 percent GST.

Similarly, one kilo of ‘jari’ (used on sari border) was available for Rs 700 four months ago; now it has crossed Rs 800. Along with the base price, we have to pay 18% GST, M Saravanan, another weaver, said.

The weavers said that textile shop owners, both wholesalers and retailers, reduced the orders when thread prices increased. They could get good orders if the rates are stable or low. They are appealing to the central government to look into their grievance and save the industry.

To promote Salem silk across the global, the weavers and shop owners want the state government to start an exclusive park in Salem for silk saris. The weavers also appeal to the central and state governments to get a special ‘logo’ for Salem pure silk saris. If they get a separate logo, their sales volume is likely will go up.