Harmony in Harvest :
RPG Group’s HML and the Symphony of Innovation, Diversity, And Joy

In the verdant landscape of South India, where tea leaves and rubber trees dance to the rhythm of a century-old legacy, Harrison Malayalam Ltd. (HML) stands as a testament to the enduring union of tradition and innovation. Acquired by RPG Group in 1989, HML has not only weathered the challenges of time but has emerged as a pioneer in the plantation industry, cultivating not just tea and rubber but a diverse range of crops that promise a bountiful future.

A conversation with Cherian George, the Chief Executive and Whole Time Director of SBU-B at HML, unveils the nuanced symphony of the company’s unique offerings, where digital initiatives blend seamlessly with a commitment to diversity and a workplace that radiates happiness.

In the lush embrace of over 120 years of history, HML has evolved under RPG Group’s watchful eye, leaving a lasting mark on the South Indian landscape. Cherian shares, “We are the second-largest producer of black tea in South India, and the single largest producer of natural rubber in India, a testament to our scale and presence.”

One of HML’s distinctive features is its workforce, comprising over 10,000 employees, where over 60% of whom are women. Cherian proudly notes, “Our organisation is also recognised as one of the great places to work in Asia for the employee engagement activities, HR practices, and the trust and camaraderie we foster.” The longevity of employee tenures attests to the strong bonds nurtured within the organisation.

Diversity is not just a statistic at HML; it’s a celebration. The company’s focus on creating a happy workplace is reflected in its consistent ranking among the top 25 companies in the Great Place to Work surveys.

Intertwining technology with tradition, HML is no laggard when it comes to embracing the digital age. Cherian elaborates on the company’s foray into technological and digital interventions, including crop diversification. “We have expanded our portfolio to include spices and fruits like pineapple, pepper, and arecanut,” he reveals. These endeavours aim to create a sustainable future, piloting exotic fruits and spices that align with the evolving tastes of a health-conscious society.

The digital initiatives extend beyond the fields, encompassing precision agriculture and environmental sustainability. Cherian details the adoption of digital technology for quality segregation of tea, crop prediction models, and pest prediction models. The integration of drone spraying, a rare practice in the tea industry, showcases HML’s commitment to innovation in managing the challenges posed by climate change and pest pressures.

In the domain of consumer products, HML, a bulk producer, has ventured into new territories with online sales of tea. The introduction of unique tea blends and the establishment of “Tea Town” cater to both the export market and domestic consumers. Cherian envisions HML becoming a one-stop-shop for tea solutions, exploring exciting avenues such as experience centres at prominent locations like the World Trade Centre.

The conversation turns towards the future, where Cherian delineates HML’s strategy for consumer products. “We are focusing on traceable, sustainable tea, especially targeted towards a health-conscious niche market,” he says. By maintaining traceability, HML seeks to provide a premium product with a guarantee of sustainability — a testament to its commitment to quality.

Tourism emerges as another growth area, with HML expanding into leisure and health tourism. Cherian describes the adventure tourism offerings, from zip lines to glass bridges, that attract the young tourist demographic. The vision extends to leisure tourism, offering a serene escape to higher-end clientele, and health tourism, delving into Ayurvedic wellness.

Amidst the challenges of monsoon and the ever-changing climate, HML stands as an oasis of joy and camaraderie. Cherian credits this to a strong connection with employees, a robust communication channel, engaging activities, and transparent rewards and recognition policies. “These initiatives instil confidence in our team that good work is recognised and rewarded,” he affirms.

As the sun rises over the lush plantations of Harrison Malayalam, the melody of innovation, diversity, and joy continues to play. In the heart of South India, RPG Group’s HML remains not just a plantation company but a symphony of growth, resilience, and a commitment to nurturing the roots that have sustained it for over a century.