Sandalwood logs stockpiled at the Mysore Sandalwood Oil Factory [Photos for representation only].

Mysuru: Seized sandalwood auctions conducted at the Government Sandalwood Depot (Sandal Koti) at Aranya Bhavan in Mysuru between 2022 and 2026 have generated a total revenue of Rs. 7,12,47,783 through the sale of 27.4855 metric tonnes (MT) of sandalwood, with the 2025 auction emerging as  the most successful.

According to Forest Department data, the 2025 auction alone fetched Rs. 4,75,86,227 from the sale of 19.2796 MT of sandalwood. The highest-valued lot that year was Ghata Badla, weighing 1.14 MT, which realised Rs. 1.14 crore. Although White Chips accounted for the largest quantity sold at 9.939 MT, it fetched only Rs. 5.06 lakh.

The data further revealed that, of the 138 MT of sandalwood available for auction in 2026, around 27.4 MT have been auctioned so far.

Fluctuations in sandalwood sales

The auction figures indicate considerable fluctuations in sandalwood sales over the years. In 2022, the Forest Department earned Rs. 2,14,72,692 from the sale of 4.245 MT of sandalwood.

Revenue declined sharply in 2024, with Rs. 10,27,626 realised from 2.7053 MT. The latest auction held in 2026 has so far generated Rs. 11,61,238 through the sale of 1.2556 MT.

Among the various categories auctioned during the four years, White Chips recorded the highest quantity sold at 11.9389 MT, followed by Milwa Chilta at 5.7662 MT. Barks and Waste accounted for 2.7813 MT, Ain Chilta for 1.5152 MT, Basola Bukni for 1.4890 MT and Ghata Badla/Ghata Badla for 1.4237 MT.

Ghata Badla variety tops

The 2025 auction witnessed a significant jump in returns. Ghata Badla topped the revenue chart with Rs. 1.30 crore, followed closely by Milwa Chilta at Rs. 1.24 crore. Ain Chilta fetched Rs. 55.21 lakh, Jajipokal I Rs. 46.31 lakh, Basola Bukni Rs. 30.37 lakh and Ain Bagar Rs. 22.83 lakh (see table).

Based on Govt. directives

Speaking to Star of Mysore, K. Paramesh, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) of Mysuru Territorial Division, said the schedule for the auction of the remaining sandalwood stock depends entirely on Government directives.

“The department regularly submits details of the available stock to the Government, which takes the final decision on its disposal,” he said.

Paramesh also explained the procedure followed in cases of sandalwood theft from private lands. He said farmers must lodge an official complaint of theft to be eligible for compensation or benefits. If the stolen sandalwood is later recovered from the accused, the seized wood is legally linked to the original complaint filed by the farmer.

“Once the legal proceedings are completed, the proceeds or benefits arising from the seized sandalwood are passed on to the rightful farmers,” he added.

Growers seek higher reserve prices, greater transparency

Amaranarayan, President of Karnataka Sandalwood and Agroforestry Growers’ Association, said the Association has repeatedly urged the State Government to revise the reserve prices fixed for sandalwood auctions.

According to him, the reserve prices set by the Forest Department do not reflect prevailing market rates, resulting in lower returns for stakeholders.

Responding to the demand, K. Paramesh, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) of Mysuru Territorial Division, said that discussions have been held on revising the base price upward.

“There have been official discussions on increasing the base price of sandalwood, as the existing rates were considered too low by stakeholders,” he said.

Amaranarayan also pointed out that a substantial quantity of the sandalwood auctioned by the Department comprises timber seized after being stolen from private farmlands. He further called for greater transparency in the auction process and urged the Forest Department to place auction details in the public domain.