HML to Diversify Tea Plantations, Launch Modern Farming Practices

KALPETTA:
Harrisons Malayalam Ltd. (HML) is set to introduce modern farming practices and diversification in its tea plantations, aiming to enhance crop yield by utilizing existing resources also through innovations.

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. Also, the company is doing pilots and trials on satellite-based weather prediction models, pest &disease detection models, HML Chief Executive Officer Cherian M. George revealed.

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

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 pineapples.