ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on tea plantations, which significantly shape the reality of Fair Trade in Asia. It begins with a contradiction within Fairtrade certification for the plantation sector: while the certification is designed for plantation workers, benefits to workers are controlled by the plantation management. The chapter outlines the basic nature of the patron—client relations and their historical evolution in Indian tea plantations, and is followed by a methodological section and a description of the general patron—client relations in the plantation. It draws on field research in a tea plantation in the Darjeeling district of India. The chapter considers how such patron—client relations have evolved between the management and workers in tea plantations in India. It analyzes the role of Fairtrade certification in the tea plantation sector and draws implications for its better use for plantation workers. India is the largest producer and consumer of tea in the world, and its tea industry rests on plantation-type production.
