TOWARDS A NEW PARADIGM FOR PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA An Analysis of the System of Production and Innovation from an Inclusive Growth Perspective

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.