Chapter-8 A Shirt in the Market

1. What made Swapna sell the cotton to the trader instead of selling it at the Kurnool cotton market?

Explanation

Small-scale farming was Swapna's occupation. She produced some cotton, but not much. She lacked the funds to start cultivating cotton since she needed seeds, pesticides, and fertilizers. The trader was a powerful person in the community, and the farmers relied on him for loans for everything from farming to other necessities like illness and childcare. However, there are periods of the year when the farmers have no work and no income, leaving them with little choice except to borrow money in order to survive. Swapna was compelled to sell her cotton to the dealer in return for taking a loan from him at a high-interest rate. She was required to sell her cotton to the dealer in addition to repaying the amount in full plus interest. Due to these factors, Swapna was compelled to sell her cotton to the dealer rather than at the Kurnool cotton market.


2. Describe the conditions of employment as well as the wages of workers in the garment exporting factory. Do you think the workers get a fair deal?

Explanation

The apparel exporting factory's working conditions are as follows:

I. When employees are recruited temporarily, their employment may be terminated at any time once the project is over or when the business no longer needs them.

II. They are under pressure to deliver high-caliber items in a timely manner.

IV. They are obliged to work long hours in challenging conditions.

No, the employees are not treated properly since they are exploited by their employer and paid little wages for the labour they do. No job security exists because they might be fired at any time.


3. Think of something common that we use. It could be sugar, tea, milk, pen, pencil, paper, etc. Discuss through what chain of markets this reaches you. Can you think of the people that help in production or trade?

Explanation

The following is a list of the markets in the milk supply chain:

  1. Milk is purchased by dairy cooperatives from dairy farmers in various places.

  2. The milk is then delivered to the dairy cooperatives' factories.

  3. The milk is next sterilised and put into containers 

  4. Traders who work with the cooperatives are then given the packed milk containers, and they carry them to areas where wholesale dealers will buy them.

  5. Retailers then buy milk from wholesalers, who bag the milk and sell it at booths dotted across the city.