HML uses drone seeding to restore 15 acres of eucalyptus land in Idukki

Harrisons Malayalam Limited (HML), a tea plantation company, has pioneered the use of drone seeding technology to restore 15 acres of eucalyptus land near the Peerumade hills in Idukki. The restoration, which involved the deployment of a 24-species native assemblage of trees, shrubs, herbs, and lianas, was carried out at the Pattumallay Estate.

The seeds, sourced from the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) seed bank, included Terminalia bellirica, Spondias pinnata, Albizia falcataria, Phyllanthus emblica, and Wrightia tinctoria. HML vice-president Anil George highlighted that the drone-seeding technology ensured effective distribution of the seeds, reduced labor costs, improved coverage uniformity, and minimized soil disturbance.

Post-restoration, a Rapid Biodiversity Assessment (RBA) was conducted, confirming the presence of 24 native species in the area, indicating that the soil was capable of supporting natural regeneration. The eucalyptus monocultures had, however, depleted soil moisture, suppressed undergrowth, and reduced native biodiversity. HML also recently deployed drone-based transport for moving freshly harvested green leaves from tea fields to weighment centres and processing factories at the Lockhart Estate near Devikulam in Munnar.