Ministry is implementing a central sector scheme, namely “Operation Greens Scheme” – A scheme for integrated development of Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP) value chain with a budgetary allocation of Rs. 500 crores. The scheme has two-pronged strategy of Price stabilisation measures (for short term) and Integrated value chain development projects (for long term).
Due to restriction imposed on account of COVID-19, the supply chain has been disrupted and famers are not able to sell their produce in the market. To improve this situation, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has recently extended the Operation Greens Scheme from Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP) to all fruits & vegetables (TOTAL) for a period of six months on pilot basis as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
Salient Features of Operation Greens Scheme (Total)
Objective:-
- The objective of intervention is to protect the growers of fruits and vegetables from making distress sale due to lockdown and reduce the post – harvest losses.
Eligible Crops:-
- Fruits- Mango, Banana, Guava, Kiwi, Lichi, Papaya, Citrus, Pineapple, Pomegranate, Jackfruit;
- Vegetables- French beans, Bitter Gourd, Brinjal, Capsicum, Carrot, Cauliflower, Chillies (Green), Okra, Onion, Potato and Tomato.
- Any other fruit/vegetable can be added in future on the basis of recommendation by Ministry of Agriculture or State Government
- List of eligible crops, selected surplus production clusters and trigger price for intervention under the scheme – Click Here.
Duration of Scheme:-
- Duration of Scheme is for the period of six months from the date of notification i.e., 11/06/2020.
Eligible Entities:-
- Food Processors, FPO/FPC, Co-operative Societies, Individual farmers, Licensed Commission Agent, Exporters, State Marketing/Co- operative Federation, Retailers etc. engaged in processing/ marketing of fruits and vegetables.
Pattern of Assistance:-
- Ministry will provide subsidy @ 50 % of the cost of the following two components, subject to the cost norms:
- Transportation of eligible crops from surplus production cluster to consumption centre; and/or
- Hiring of appropriate storage facilities for eligible crops (for maximum period of 3 months);
Submission of claim for subsidy:-
- Eligible entities, who comply with the aforesaid essential criteria may undertake the transportation and/or storage of notified crops from notified surplus production cluster, without any prior approval from MoFPI
References:
- About Scheme
- Circulars
- Guidelines
