The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has recently given the green light to a strategy that will see the continued operation of Operation Greens. This effective program was initially unveiled during the Budget speech of 2018-19, receiving an outlay of Rs 500 crores. Its primary aim is to maintain stability in the supply chain for three key crops: Tomato, Onion, and Potato (TOP). Drawing inspiration from the successful model of Operation Flood, which significantly boosted milk production in India, Operation Greens seeks to bring about similar transformative change in the world of fruits and vegetables, starting with tomatoes, onions, and potatoes. With NAFED taking on the crucial role of implementing these critical price stabilization measures, the ultimate goal of Operation Greens is ambitious yet achievable: doubling farmers’ income by 2022.
Key Objectives of “Operation Greens”
The main objectives of Operation Greens fall under five broad categories. These include enhancing TOP farmers’ value realization through targeted interventions to strengthen TOP production clusters and Farmer Producer Organizations, and linking/connecting them with the market. The initiative also aims at stabilizing prices for both producers and consumers by planning production properly in the TOP clusters and introducing dual-use varieties.
Another vital objective of Operation Greens is to reduce post-harvest losses by creating suitable storage capacity linking consumption centers. The initiative hopes to increase food processing capacities and add more value to the TOP value chain with firm linkages with production clusters. Lastly, Operation Greens aims to establish a market intelligence network that would efficiently collect and collate real-time data on demand and supply, as well as prices, of TOP crops.
A Brief History of Operation Flood (white revolution)
In the 1970s, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) launched Operation Flood. The aim was to create a nationwide milk grid and elevate the country’s milk production levels. This program was successful and, in 2016-17, it played a key role in making India the world’s largest producer of milk.
Key Facts about Operation Greens and Operation Flood
| Program | Launched by | Key Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| Operation Greens | Ministry of Food Processing Industries | Stabilize supply of TOP crops, double income of farmers by 2022, reduce post-harvest losses, increase food processing capacities |
| Operation Flood | National Dairy Development Board | Create nationwide milk grid, raise milk production levels |
The Road Ahead for Operation Greens
With the strategy now approved, Operation Greens has a clear path ahead. Backed by adequate funding and the commitment of NAFED to implement these price stabilization measures, the operation seems poised for success. Coupled with the firm linkages with production clusters and an effective market intelligence network, Operation Greens has all the tools needed to transform TOP crop production and bring economic prosperity to farmers.
