In a stunning development for Kerala’s timber industry, a massive export-grade teak log fetched a record-breaking price of Rs. 2.07 lakh per cubic metre at the Chaliyam Forest Depot in Kozhikode during a recent e-auction. This landmark sale, which saw a single B2 class log measuring 0.850 cubic metres sold for Rs. 2.62 lakh including taxes, underscores the surging global demand for premium Nilambur teak and revitalizes the local depot’s prospects. The auction, held just yesterday, marks the highest price recorded among all forest depots in Kerala, highlighting Chaliyam’s rising prominence despite historical supply constraints.
The Auction Highlights
The star of the show was an export-grade teak log classified as B2, prized for its superior quality suitable for international markets. At Rs. 2.07 lakh per cubic metre, this surpassed previous benchmarks and signalled robust buyer confidence amid fluctuating timber prices. This single log alone generated Rs. 2.62 lakh post-taxes, outshining sales from other major depots like Nilambur, Karulayi, and Mundakkadavu, which also posted strong figures but couldn’t match Chaliyam’s peak. The e-auction format, managed by the Kerala Forest Department via platforms like MSTC, ensured transparency and attracted competitive bids from exporters and timber traders.
Chaliyam Depot’s Journey
Located in Kozhikode, the Chaliyam depot has long been a key player in Kerala’s timber trade, thanks to its proximity to the bustling Kallai timber market the oldest in Asia. However, it has faced challenges with limited log allocations from prime sources like Nilambur forests, even as large-scale felling continues there. This record sale injects fresh momentum, potentially drawing more supply to the depot and benefiting local stakeholders. High-value logs from Nilambur have historically commanded premiums, but Chaliyam’s performance shows it’s catching up fast. Local traders note that despite steady demand, bureaucratic delays in log transport have hampered growth a trend this auction could reverse.
Nilambur Teak: Why It’s the Gold Standard Worldwide
Kerala’s Nilambur teak is legendary for its durability, fine grain, and rich golden hue, making it ideal for luxury furniture, shipbuilding, and temple construction. Over 100-year-old logs from areas like Nellikkuth have previously fetched eye-watering sums, such as Rs. 31.85 lakh for two logs in a 2025 Malappuram auction. Past records include a single log at Rs. 13.25 lakh in 2018 at Nedumkayam depot, proving teak’s enduring value even decades later. Chaliyam’s latest feat builds on this legacy, with export-grade wood appealing to buyers from Gujarat and Tamil Nadu for premium applications.
Read more at: https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2026/04/11/teak-log-record-price-chaliyam.html