Implication of Trade, Livelihood and Employment Exclusion

The plantation sector plays a significant role in the agricultural economy of Kerala. Rubber, Pepper, Cardamom, and tea constitute the major chunk of the plantation crops in the state. The sector is experiencing a significant negative impact because of the distortionary trade practices in the form of RTA and FTA with other competing nations. This remains detrimental to the interests of workers and farmers with far-reaching consequences as the sector acts as a major source of employment and livelihood to a vast section of people in the rural economy of Kerala. The main objective of the study is to understand the trade impact of plantation commodities to India-Kerala economy with special reference to ASEAN, FTA inter alia to assess the socio-economic condition of plantation workers in Kerala thereby the nature of exclusion of workers.