Forms of exclusion in the innovation process – an analysis of access to formal organizations by small plantation growers in India

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper examines different forms of exclusions faced by small plantation growers in the process of accessing knowledge and support programmes from formal organizations; driving factors for exclusion; whether they were getting any benefits from inclusion. It is based on primary data collected from the tea-growing region of Assam and natural rubber-growing region of Kerala, India. The analysis showed that the majority of tea growers were facing exclusion – constitutive, passive and instrumental – regarding the registration process with the Tea Board and getting access to schemes. Growers faced illusive inclusion due to the lack of awareness of the schemes. Instances of illusive inclusion disincentivized them from interacting with the formal sources. Different forms of exclusion were mutually reinforcing each other. This hindered growers’ participation in the interactive learning process involving the knowledge domain, bridging institutions and the policy context. Contrary to tea, registration process with the Rubber Board was non-exclusionary. Policies resulting in passive exclusion were accordingly changed to meet their demand and make it inclusive. However, due to non-functional Rubber Producers Societies, growers were facing illusive inclusion. Certain farm and farmer characteristics prevented their active participation in these societies. The study underscores the need for directing policy attention towards mutually reinforcing exclusionary process particularly for tea growers. Besides exclusion, illusive inclusion should be considered to make knowledge and support programmes inclusive for the growers in both crops.