Sandalwood auction at Marayur ends

KOTTAYAM: The Karnataka Handicraft Development Corporation (KHDC) turned out to be the highest bidder for sandalwood during the auction at  the Marayur forest range limits on the final day of the four rounds of e-auction for purchasing the various sandalwood derivatives. The KHDC became the top bidder by purchasing 2,035.200 kg of sandalwood for Rs 2,29,16352, thereby superseding Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) who purchased 2,404 kg of sandalwood at a price of Rs 1,88,67251. The two rounds of sandalwood auction began on Thursday morning at 8 am and concluded by evening.

The Poompuhar Chennai, was at the third spot by purchasing 1,412 kg of sandalwood by spending Rs 1,50,35856. The Oushadhi, Thrissur is also one among the leading bidders by purchasing sandalwood at an amount of Rs 1,11,04 889. The KSDL was the biggest bidder on the auction held on Wednesday by purchasing 1,732 kg of sandalwood. There are at least 16 sandalwood derivatives based on the quality and class ranging from different prices present for the e auction which is the only government authorised sandalwood auction in the state. The bidders could take the sandalwood they have purchased within a couple of weeks from now.