In the budget speech of Union Budget 2018-19, a new Scheme “Operation Greens” was announced on the line of “Operation Flood”, with an outlay of Rs.500 crore to promote Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs), agri-logistics, processing facilities and professional management. Accordingly, the Ministry has formulated a scheme for integrated development of Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP) value chain.

I. Enhancing value realisation of TOP farmers by targeted interventions to strengthen TOP production clusters and their FPOs, and linking/connecting them with the market.

II. Price stabilisation for producers and consumers by proper production planning in the TOP clusters and introduction of dual use varieties.

III. Reduction in post-harvest losses by creation of farm gate infrastructure, development of suitable agro-logistics, and creation of appropriate storage capacity linking consumption centres.

IV. Increase in food processing capacities and value addition in TOP value chain with firm linkages with production clusters.

V. Setting up of a market intelligence network to collect and collate real time data on demand and supply and prices of TOP crops.

The scheme will have two-pronged strategy ofPrice stabilisation measures (for short term) and integrated value chain development projects (for long term).

(I) Price Stabilisation Measures

(a) NAFED is the Nodal Agency to implement price stabilisation measures. MoFPI will provide 50% of the subsidy on the following two components:

1. Transportation of Tomato Onion Potato(TOP) Crops from production to storage;
2. Hiring of appropriate storage facilities for TOP Crops;

(b) A dedicated agency will be put in place for market intelligence, demand forecast, advisory to farmers on future prices, etc. related to TOP crops. Based on this market Intelligence, following objective will be met:

1. Monitoring of supply scenario for timely market intervention
2. Advisory to farmers to avoid cyclical production
3. Early warning Systems
4. Rapid response forum (eg, for quick movement of produce from glut area)
5. Export –Import decision making

(II) Integrated value chain development projects

1. Formation and Capacity Building of FPOs
2. Quality production
3. Post-harvest processing facilities-At Farm Level
4. Post HarvestProcessing Facilities- At main Processing Site
5. Agri-Logistics
6. Marketing / Consumption Points