The account of Indian agriculture dates back to Indus Valley Civilization. As per Indian Agriculture and Allied Industries Industry Report 2020, Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for 58 per cent of India’s population with significant contribution to Indian GDP, Gross Value Added (GVA) growth with 4 Per cent by agriculture, forestry, and fishing was estimated to be Rs 19.48 lakh crore (US$ 276.37 billion) in FY20(PE). The Indian food processing industry accounts for 32 per cent of the country’s total food market, one of the largest industries in India, and is ranked fifth in terms of production, consumption, export, and expected growth. The Indian agriculture sector is predominately unorganized and dominated by players from the unorganized sector with the exploitation of producers by market participants. The current paper tries to study the prospects of Fairtrade practice in Kerala by making a critical analysis of the problems and prospects of the Fair trade practices in Kerala. Fair trade in border sense tries to address the concerns of producers through structured arrangements designed to help producers in emerging countries attain sustainable and equitable trade relationships through an organised set of practices. Fair trade advocates for the Premium price, Better working, socio, and economic and environmental standards for producers. FTAK commenced in 2006, small farmers’ organization located in South India that grows coffee, cashew nuts, and tropical spices. Incorporated with objectives enabling farmers to tap global markets and enhance income through Fairtrade which tries to surpass the upcoming challenges of food security, the appropriation/utilization of rural land, the effects of pests and disease on their livelihoods, destruction of crops by wildlife, and the unwillingness of the younger generation to continue with agriculture. FTAK tries to preserve the historical legacy of Indian cash crops by creating sustainable livelihood for producers engaged in fair trade and help to calibrate the food security for a growing population.
Fair Trade as a Community Development Initiative: Local and Global Implications