Largest Ceylon black tea producer embraces mechanisation, drone technology and Al amidst labour shortage

Sri Lanka’s largest black tea producer, Hatton Plantations PLC (HPL), is embracing mechanisation, drone technology and artificial intelligence (Al) to navigate the challenges of a manual labour shortage and rising production costs, according to its 2024/2025 annual report.

- By NISHEL FERNANDO

The company is also doubling down on sustainability initiatives and diversifying its portfolio to ensure future growth and resilience.

In a significant move to counter the scarcity of manual labour, HPL Chairman G.D. Seaton noted that the company has expanded its machine plucking initiative and introduced drone technology for fertiliser and pesticide application as well as for supervision of agricultural practices.

The company is also exploring opportunities in Al to enhance efficiency and quality in Ceylon Tea production. This technological push is part of a broader strategy to create a future-ready” and “sustainability-driven” enterprise,