Visit your local fruit-seller, and ask her/him about the fruits she/he sells, where they come from, and their prices. Find out what has happened to the prices of local products after fruits began to be imported from outside of India (such as apples from Australia). Are there any imported fruits cheaper than Indian fruits?
A visit to the local fruit-seller reveals that today, a variety of imported fruits are available on the shelves of our local stores, items that were not available a few years ago due to import substitution policies. These fruits come from various countries, such as apples from Australia.
After India began following the policy of liberalisation since the late 1980s and participated in the World Trade Organization (WTO), Indian markets opened up to imports. This has exposed Indian farmers to competition from the global market. As a result, the prices of local products are influenced by this competition, as consumers now have access to imported alternatives.
Regarding prices, the context notes that imported fruits are now commonly available. While the text does not provide specific price comparisons, it highlights that the opening of markets has reversed earlier policies of self-reliance on food grains. The presence of imported fruits creates competition for local produce, potentially affecting their demand and pricing in the market.
Explanation
This question is a fieldwork-based activity asking students to observe the impact of globalisation on local markets. The textbook context explains that due to liberalisation and WTO participation since the late 1980s, Indian markets have opened to imports. Imported fruits are now visible in local stores, which were earlier restricted by import substitution policies. This exposes Indian farmers to global competition. The context does not provide specific price data, but students can infer that imported fruits create competition for local produce.