Odisha’s global e-auction of red sandalwood logs is scheduled for April 9. This announcement was made by Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia. The e-tendering process is open for international participation.
The Odisha government plans to conduct this key auction event. A total of 4,539 red sandalwood trees are present in the region. Among these trees, 2,071 have grown naturally. The remaining 2,468 were cultivated through afforestation initiatives.
Following a request made to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, export restrictions were lifted. This decision allows the sale of 810.1894 metric tons of red sandalwood. The lifted restrictions permit sales until September 6, 2025.
The Odisha Forest Development Corporation is overseeing the auction. It has organized for 809.7844 metric tons of red sandalwood logs to be sold. This process is structured in multiple phases. Three phases have already been successfully completed.
Previous auctions have yielded significant results. A total of 38.7082 metric tons of logs were sold earlier. This generated impressive revenue of over Rs 13.7 crore. However, the maintenance and monitoring of these logs incurs high costs. Annual expenses for such activities exceed Rs 1 crore.
With the upcoming auction, Odisha aims to increase revenue. The sale will support the legal and sustainable trade of red sandalwood. This initiative emphasizes the economic and ecological importance of this valuable resource.
