Operation Greens is a price-fixing scheme that aims to ensure farmers receive the correct price for their produce. It aims to promote Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO), Agri-logistics, processing facilities, and professional agri-produce management. It focuses on organized marketing of Tomatoes, Onions, and Potatoes (TOP vegetables) by connecting farmers with consumers. State Agriculture and other Marketing Federations, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO), cooperatives, companies, self-help groups, food processors, and others can apply for financial assistance under it. Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) promoted markets will be linked to the e-NAM platform to aid in the structural and infrastructure components of the scheme. The government will also assist in the development of 22,000 agricultural markets. In this article, we will discuss Operation Greens which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Objectives of Operation Greens

• Improving TOP farmers' value realization through targeted interventions to strengthen TOP production clusters and their FPOs, as well as linking/connecting them to the market.
• Price stability for producers and consumers through proper production planning in TOP clusters and the introduction of dual-use varieties.
• Reduced post-harvest losses through the development of farm gate infrastructure, appropriate agro-logistics, and appropriate storage capacity linking consumption centers.
• Increased food processing capacity and value addition in the TOP value chain, with firm links to production clusters.
• Establishment of a market intelligence network to collect and collate real-time data on demand, supply, and price of TOP crops.

The strategy of Operation Greens

Short-term Price Stabilization Measures

• The MoFPI will fund 50% of the following two components:
• Tomato, onion, and potato (TOP) crop transportation from production to storage.
• Obtaining suitable storage facilities for TOP Crops.

Long-term Integrated Value Chain Development Projects

• Capacity building for FPOs and their consortium
• High-quality output
• Post-harvest processing facilities
• Agri-Logistics
• Marketing / Consumption Points
• Creation and management of an e-platform for top crop demand and supply management

Operation Greens - Pattern of Assistance

• Integrated Value Chain Development Projects: The maximum grant-in-aid would be Rs 15 crore per project.
• Standalone Post-Harvest Infrastructure Projects: Grants-in-Aid would be limited to a maximum of 10 crore per project.
• Grants-in-aid will be considered at 35% of eligible project cost for General Area projects and 50% of eligible project cost for Difficult Area projects, as well as SC/ST, FPO, and SHG projects.
• Quality production: A maximum of 5% of the total Scheme allocation may be used for quality production.

Significance of Operation Greens

• Operation Green (OG) aims to replicate Operation Flood's success story in fruits and vegetables, beginning with three basic vegetables: tomatoes, onions, and potatoes (TOP).
• The primary goal of OG is to reduce price volatility in these commodities, thereby assisting farmers in supplementing their incomes on a long-term basis, as well as to provide these basic vegetables to consumers at reasonable prices.

Operation Greens - From TOP to TOTAL

• As part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan Package, the scope of short-term measures originally applicable to Tomato, Onion, and Potato crops was expanded to 41 notified fruits and vegetables as of June 2020.
• The scope of the long-term strategy, i.e. Value Chain Development Projects, was expanded from TOP crops to 22 perishables, which include 10 fruits, 11 vegetables (including TOP crops), and 1 marine product, shrimp, in Budget Announcement 2021-22.

Convergence with Kisan Rail and Krishi Udan

• Kisan Rail: It ensures that agro-products are transported quickly from one corner of the country to the other, benefiting both farmers and consumers.
• Krishi-Udan: This scheme offers a 50 percent air freight subsidy for NER (North-Eastern Region) States and four Himalayan States/UTs.

Conclusion

The scheme, modeled after Operation Flood, aims to replicate the success of milk in fruits and vegetables. The goal of Operation Greens is to double farmers' income by the end of 2022. The issue with vegetable commodities is that when production increases dramatically, prices collapse due to a lack of modern storage capacity. In India, the links between processing and organised retailing are very weak and small, resulting in farmers receiving less than a quarter of what consumers pay for their produce in major cities. Operation Greens will concentrate on these issues for basic ingredients rather than additional agricultural commodities.

FAQs

MCQs

1. What is the primary objective of Operation Greens?

A) Promote agricultural exports
B) Improve the supply chain for fruits and vegetables
C) Reduce import dependency
D) Support dairy farming

2. Which of the following crops were initially targeted by Operation Greens?

A) Wheat, Rice, and Barley
B) Tomatoes, Onions, and Potatoes
C) Mangoes, Grapes, and Apples
D) Pulses and Legumes

3. When was Operation Greens launched?

A) 2016
B) 2017
C) 2018
D) 2020

4. What does Operation Greens focus on in terms of infrastructure?

A) Increasing crop diversity
B) Improving storage and transportation facilities
C) Promoting organic farming
D) Enhancing irrigation systems

5. Which Ministry launched Operation Greens?

A) Ministry of Rural Development
B) Ministry of Commerce
C) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
D) Ministry of Finance

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the impact of Operation Greens on the agricultural economy of India. How does it address price volatility of perishable crops?

Answer: Operation Greens aims to stabilize the prices of perishable crops like tomatoes, onions, and potatoes by improving the supply chain, creating better storage facilities, and reducing post-harvest losses. By focusing on these crops, the initiative addresses price volatility, which is a common issue due to seasonal fluctuations, production surpluses, and market inefficiencies. The government's support for infrastructure development, including cold storage and transport, helps in minimizing wastage and improving market access, which ultimately leads to better price stability and improved income for farmers.

Q2: Analyze the role of Operation Greens in ensuring food security and enhancing agricultural exports. What are the key challenges faced by this initiative?

Answer: Operation Greens plays a crucial role in ensuring food security by stabilizing the production and supply of essential vegetables. By reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing storage facilities, it ensures a steady supply of these crops throughout the year, contributing to food security. The initiative also holds potential for enhancing agricultural exports by improving the quality and shelf life of fruits and vegetables. However, challenges like inadequate infrastructure, lack of access to modern technology, and difficulties in reaching remote farmers hinder the full potential of the initiative. Addressing these issues would ensure more effective implementation of the program.

Q3: What are the key strategies that should be adopted to make Operation Greens more effective in the long term?

Answer: To make Operation Greens more effective, strategies such as expanding its scope beyond the initial focus on tomatoes, onions, and potatoes to include other perishable crops are essential. Strengthening public-private partnerships in infrastructure development, improving access to cold storage units for farmers, and integrating technology for better crop forecasting and supply chain management will enhance the program’s impact. Additionally, encouraging value addition and processing of agricultural produce can further reduce wastage and create new market opportunities, thus improving the income of farmers and enhancing food security.

Previous Year Questions on Operation Greens

1. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 3):

Question: "What is the significance of Operation Greens in stabilizing the agricultural market and addressing post-harvest losses? Discuss its challenges and suggest solutions."

Answer: Operation Greens aims to stabilize the agricultural market by improving the supply chain and storage infrastructure for perishable crops. This initiative seeks to reduce post-harvest losses, enhance the quality of crops, and ensure price stability. Challenges include limited infrastructure in rural areas, lack of adequate cold storage facilities, and the fragmented nature of the agricultural supply chain. To address these, the government should focus on better rural infrastructure, modernized technology for storage, and increasing farmers' access to markets through cooperative models and digital platforms.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2018 (GS Paper 3):

Question: "Discuss the various measures taken by the government to improve the agricultural marketing system in India. How does Operation Greens contribute to these efforts?"

Answer: The government has taken several steps to improve the agricultural marketing system, including the implementation of the National Agricultural Market (eNAM), enhancing storage facilities, and promoting contract farming. Operation Greens contributes by focusing on perishable crops like tomatoes, onions, and potatoes, which are subject to high price volatility. By improving storage and transport infrastructure, Operation Greens ensures a more stable market for these crops, thereby reducing waste and increasing the income of farmers. This initiative is vital in creating a more organized and efficient agricultural marketing system in India.