Understanding Operation Green in Union Budget 2018

Operation Green was a significant initiative announced in the Union Budget 2018-19. Its primary aim is to address the price volatility of perishable agricultural commodities, specifically focusing on three key crops: Tomato, Onion, and Potato (collectively known as TOP).

The Budget speech detailed the launch of this operation to promote farmer producer organisations (FPOs), agri-logistics, processing facilities, and professional management. This comprehensive approach was intended to help farmers get better prices for their produce and reduce post-harvest losses.

A specific financial allocation was announced for the launch of this operation. The corpus earmarked for Operation Green in the Union Budget 2018 was a particular amount.

Let's look at the options provided for the corpus amount:

1. №1,000 crore
2. №500 crore
3. №5,000 crore
4. №100 crore

Based on the announcement in the Union Budget 2018, the corpus allocated for Operation Green was №500 crore. This fund was meant to support the various components of the scheme aimed at stabilizing the supply and prices of TOP crops across the country.

Key aspects of Operation Green included:

• Price stabilisation measures.
• Development of integrated value chains.
• Enhancing post-harvest infrastructure like storage and processing units.
• Market linkages and promotion of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).

The focus on Tomato, Onion, and Potato was due to their importance in consumption baskets and their tendency for significant price fluctuations impacting both producers and consumers.

Revision Table: Operation Green (Union Budget 2018)

Additional Information: Related Agricultural Initiatives

Apart from Operation Green, the Indian government has launched several other initiatives aimed at improving the agriculture sector and farmers' welfare. Understanding these can provide broader context.

• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY): Focuses on improving irrigation facilities.
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): Promotes organic farming.
• National Agriculture Market (e-NAM): An online trading platform for agricultural commodities.
• Minimum Support Price (MSP) Policy: Ensures a minimum price for certain crops, though different from price stabilization for perishables like TOP.

Operation Green specifically targeted the unique challenges faced by perishable commodities through a value-chain approach, complementing other schemes that address different aspects of agriculture.