Nilambur teak auction: Palakkad division to recognise top bidders

Palakkad Timber Sales Division introduces bidder recognition to boost competition and participation in Nilambur teak auctions.

Riding on steady release of mature Nilambur teak from decades-old plantations and robust auction demand, the Palakkad Timber Sales Division has announced that it will introduce Letters of Appreciation for the ‘highest bidder of the month’ and the ‘highest bidder of the year,’ a move aimed at encouraging healthy competition and widening participation in timber auctions.

The division has stocked a substantial quantity of premium teak logs at its Walayar, Nedumgayam and Aruvacode depots, said K. Ashraf, divisional forestofficer, Timber Sales Division, Palakkad. He said the timber currently being harvested is from plantations raised during 1962-63, making the trees around 60-65 years old and yielding high density, superior-grade teak.

“Nearly 6,000 cubic metres of additional fresh teak logs are expected to arrive before March, significantly strengthening availability across the three depots,” he claimed.

Mr. Ashraf said the internationally acclaimed Nilambur teak is known for its strength, durability, fine grain and natural resistance to termites. Its golden-brown colour, dimensional stability and long lifespan make it a preferred hardwood for premium furniture, structural uses and interior works. Demand continues to rise within Kerala and across India, with recent auctions seeing Export ‘B’ and Export ‘C’ quality logs fetching some of highest recorded rates, reflecting a buoyant market.

All auctions are conducted through MSTC e-commerce portal to ensure transparency and nationwide participation, he said. “Four online auctions are held every month. Individual buyers can register by paying ₹590 and purchase up to eight cubic metres across depots, while traders and commercial buyers can register for ₹5,900 with not quantity cap,” he said and added that around 350 registered buyers, including participants from outside Kerala, are currently enlisted.

Along side online auctions, a retail auction facility operates at each depot in line with provisions of the Government of Kerala. A fixed quantity of teak logs are earmarked for bona fide domestic use. Buyers constructing houses must produce an approved building plan and local panchayat permits; after verification, they can purchase up to five cubic metres per depot for personal construction.