Archive · 25 Jul 2026
Harrisons Malayalam trials drone-based green leaf transport
Harrisons Malayalam Limited (HML) has successfully tested a drone to carry freshly picked tea leaves from the fields to the factory.
They did this with the help of a company called Tropoworks.
The drone trials were done at their Lockhart Estate near Munnar.
The drones made it easier and faster to move the leaves, which is good for the environment and saves money.
HML is known for using new technology in their tea plantations, like battery-operated harvesters and drones for other tasks.
They plan to keep working with technology partners to make their operations even better.
Harrisons Malayalam Limited (HML) successfully completed trials of a payload drone for transporting freshly harvested green leaf.
The trials were conducted at Lockhart Estate in Devikulam, near Munnar, in collaboration with Tropoworks.
Initial results were encouraging, highlighting the potential of drones to transform material movement in tea plantations.
HML aims to be among the first tea plantation companies to deploy payload drones for routine green leaf transportation.
The company has a history of adopting technology-led transformations, including digital operations and drone-assisted technologies.
- Who
- Harrisons Malayalam Limited (HML) in collaboration with Tropoworks
- What
- Trials of a payload drone for transporting freshly harvested green leaf
- When
- Completed trials, published on July 25, 2026
- Where
- Lockhart Estate in Devikulam, near Munnar
- Why
- To improve field logistics, enhance productivity, reduce manual handling, and ensure faster movement of green leaf from the field to the factory
Pro-Drone Technology
Traditional Methods
Efficiency and Productivity
Pro-Drone Technology
Drones improve field logistics, enhance productivity, and ensure faster movement of green leaf from the field to the factory.
Traditional Methods
Traditional methods may be slower but are well-established and require less initial investment.
Environmental Impact
Pro-Drone Technology
Drones reduce environmental impact through precise input application and minimise worker exposure during spraying operations.
Traditional Methods
Traditional methods have a lower initial environmental impact but may not be as precise in input application.
Cost Savings
Pro-Drone Technology
Drones deliver significant cost savings through improved operational efficiency and reduced residue levels.
Traditional Methods
Traditional methods may have higher operational costs but do not require the initial investment in drone technology.
- Company
- Harrisons Malayalam Limited (HML)
- Technology Partner
- Tropoworks
- Location
- Lockhart Estate, Devikulam, near Munnar
- Purpose
- Transporting freshly harvested green leaf
- Initial Results
- Encouraging, highlighting potential to transform material movement
- Future Plans
- Further validation and potential deployment for routine green leaf transportation
- Technological Commitment
- Digital transformation, battery-operated harvesting, drone-assisted technologies
- Benefits
- Improved operational efficiency, reduced environmental impact, enhanced worker safety, cost savings