Role of UPASI for the introduction of Capitalist agriculture in Malabar

The article discusses the role of the United Planters Association of South India (UPASI) in the introduction and expansion of capitalist agriculture in Malabar, particularly focusing on the development of plantations in the region. The establishment of coffee, tea, and rubber plantations in the highlands of South India, especially in Malabar and neighbouring areas, marked a significant shift towards commercialization of agriculture. UPASI played a pivotal role in shaping this plantation economy, promoting mono-cropping, and industrializing the agriculture sector. The association’s efforts in improving transport, communication, and infrastructure, along with the introduction of modern agricultural practices, contributed to the transformation of the region into a significant part of the global capitalist system. The article also highlights the labour system, the challenges faced by workers, and the socio-economic impacts of plantation agriculture in Malabar.