Expensive timber remains unsold in Koshi
Summary
More than Rs. 114.5 million worth of timber remains unsold in Koshi Province as government-set prices stay above market rates. The stockpile has hurt forest-sector revenue and prompted officials to prepare guidelines for selling old and disputed timber.
Key Points
- Over 132,574 cubic feet of timber worth about Rs. 114.5 million remains stockpiled at depots across Koshi Province.
- Officials say auctions fail because government timber prices are slower to adjust than market rates.
- Forest-sector revenue in the province has fallen sharply as timber and firewood are not regularly auctioned and sold.
- The provincial government is preparing guidelines to manage old, disputed and poorly recorded timber stock.
