Abstract:
Traditionally, plantation sector in India has been regarded as a
source of foreign exchange. Hence the system of innovation and
production evolved over the years mainly at the instance of the state has
been geared to enhance its international competitiveness. Though the
role of plantation sector in the export basket of India declined over the
years, the paper argues that the present role of plantation sector in India’s
national economy is more important than ever before. Today, plantation
sector is a key sector in India’s inclusive growth strategy being upheld
in the 11th five year. This is on account of its significant contribution
towards the livelihood of millions of plantation workers - especially
women labour and marginalized sections - small and marginal growers,
balanced regional development and addressing environmental concerns
and global warming. Study also note that while there are many other
sectors that foster inclusive growth there is hardly sector, on account of
the liberalized trade regime, that is confronted with heightened
international competition from “desperate exporting countries” with
very limited domestic market like Vietnam. Nonetheless, the system of
innovation and production system as it exists today with its focus on
international competitiveness has been riddled with exclusion within
the sector and for the sector as a whole. The paper locates varied spaces
of exclusion and presents the broad contours of a perspective and action
plan for the development of plantation sector to foster inclusive growth
in India.
