Bengaluru, Apr 28 (PTI) Karnataka Minister M B Patil on Tuesday said that KSDL, a premier state-owned enterprise, has recorded a turnover of Rs 2,016 crore in the financial year 2025–26 for the first time, along with a profit of Rs 507 crore.
Making the announcement, the Large and Medium Industries Minister described this as a “historic” milestone among public sector enterprises.
He was presiding over a felicitation ceremony titled “Mysuru Sandal’s Pinnacle of Achievement”, organised at a private hotel in the city to celebrate the accomplishment.
Speaking on the occasion, Patil said that while it took Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited 105 years to reach a turnover of Rs 1,000 crore, the company doubled this to Rs 2,000 crore in just four years.
He noted that from a turnover of Rs 1,375 crore in 2022–23, the company has grown to Rs 2,016 crore over the past three years since the present government assumed office—an increase of Rs 641 crore.
Earlier, the organisation had 34 products. Over the past three years, 57 new products have been introduced in line with market trends, taking the total to 94. Notably, this has been achieved without any new recruitment or machinery purchases, the minister’s office said in a statement.
Despite having a production capacity of 26,000 metric tonnes, efficient operations enabled production of 47,494 metric tonnes in 2025–26, it said.
“Out of the Rs 507 crore profit, Rs 157 crore will be paid as dividend to the government, and Rs 5 crore will be contributed to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. This marks an increase of Rs 22 crore in dividend compared to the Rs 135 crore paid last year,” he said.
According to Patil, in 2025–26, the company recorded Rs 420 crore through modern trade channels and Rs 120 crore through e-commerce.
The organisation has set a target of achieving a turnover of Rs 3,000 crore by 2028 and Rs 5,000 crore by 2030.
To support this growth, a new manufacturing unit will be established on 50 acres in Vijayapura, for which Rs 229 crore has been sanctioned, he added.
The minister’s office said that sandalwood oil, the key raw material for the iconic Mysuru Sandal Soap, remains central to the company’s operations.
To ensure a steady supply, KSDL has launched the ‘Grow More Sandalwood’ initiative in partnership with farmers.
Under this programme, sandalwood plantations will be developed over 10,000 acres in 10 years. Farmers will receive an incentive of Rs 500 per sapling over a period of three years.
Additionally, sandalwood research chairs will be established at GKVK (Gandhi Krishi Vigyana Kendra), Bengaluru, and the Agricultural University in Vijayapura, Patil said.
He further observed that tenders worth Rs 15 crore have been floated for the purchase of new machinery, and steps have also been taken to expand exports and strengthen the company’s presence across India.
Over the past three years, the organisation has procured 174 tonnes of sandalwood directly from farmers, making payments amounting to Rs 6.08 crore.
The minister said that the organisation also owns vacant land parcels in Bengaluru, Dabaspet, Mysuru, and Shivamogga. A blueprint has been prepared for their optimal utilisation, which, if implemented, could create a sustainable source of revenue for the company.
Patil also suggested that the chairman and officials consider providing incentives to workers in recognition of their contribution to this achievement.
KSDL Chairman C S Appaji Nadagouda said a team has already visited Australia and other countries to explore opportunities for market expansion.
He said a focus on modern marketing strategies has contributed significantly to the company’s success.
Plans are being prepared to enter markets in the UAE, with an aim to expand the company’s presence in the cosmetic and perfume segments, in addition to soaps.
KSDL Managing Director P K M Prashanth said that Rs 4.83 crore has been disbursed towards wage contracts for workers, while an additional Rs 20 crore has been spent on campus conservation. PTI AMP SSK
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