Supposing Salim continues to get orders from traders. What would be his position after 6 years?
If Salim continues to get orders from traders, his position after six years would be significantly improved. He would be better off than before because he is able to deliver orders, make a profit, and repay the money he borrowed.
In this situation, credit plays a vital and positive role. It helps Salim meet the working capital needs of production, such as purchasing raw materials and hiring workers. Since there is no risk of crop failure or inability to sell, he does not fall into a debt trap. Instead, the credit helps him increase his earnings year after year, allowing him to accumulate capital and expand his business steadily.
Explanation
The textbook context highlights that Salim's business model is successful because he can sell his output (shoes) and repay his loans. Unlike Swapna, who faces a debt trap due to crop failure, Salim's situation involves low risk and high returns. The text explicitly states that in cases like Salim's, 'credit helps to increase earnings and therefore the person is better off than before.' Therefore, over 6 years, this accumulation of profit would strengthen his economic position.