HML to launch modern farming practices, diversify tea plantations

Aimed at enhancing crop yield by utilizing existing resources also through innovations, Harrisons Malayalam Ltd is set to introduce modern farming practices and diversification in its tea plantations.

The move comes in the wake of multiple challenges the company has of late been facing in terms of high production costs and low commodity prices due to its following traditional plantation practices for decades, top officials said.

HML will adopt the first phase of the proposed modern practices at its tea plantations in two districts: Wayanad (Achoor, Touramulla, Arrapetta and (Chundale) and Idukki (Surianalle).

The strategic initiatives feature planned investments in alternative crops like citrus, avocados, mangosteen, rambutan and nutmeg, besides modernizing traditional agricultural practices through latest technology. The company is also doing pilots and trials on satellite-based weather prediction models, pest and disease detection models, HML Chief Executive Officer Cherian M. George said.

“We are committed to sustainable agriculture and modern farming practices. The initiative seeks to modernize traditional farming methods through advanced techniques such as climate studies, soil testing and innovative pest control methods”, he said.

HML, which has been running plantation and adventure tourism activities since2017, also focuses on adventure and plantation tourism besides traditional hospitality in its bungalows. The company, with a history of 150 years, is one of south India’s largest producers of tea and the country’s biggest cultivator of natural rubber as well as pineapple.