Lok Sabha Question No. 437 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-02-04
Subject: Operation Green Programme
Ministry: FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
Asked by: Rajendra Agrawal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 437

ANSWERED ON 04 TH  FEBRUARY, 2020

## OPERATION GREEN PROGRAMME

## 437. SHRI RAJENDRA AGRAWAL:

Will the Minister of FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has received substantial response under the Operation Green Programme, which was started on pilot basis and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government plans to implement it across the whole country;
- (c) the  steps  being  taken  by  the  Government  to  increase  the  production  of  fruits  and vegetables through food processing;
- (d) whether  the  Government  is  planning  to  take  steps  to  promote  exports  of  processed foods; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI RAMESWAR TELI)

(a): Ministry has launched a new central sector scheme 'Operation Greens - a scheme for integrated  development  of  Tomato,  Onion  and  Potato  (TOP)  value  chain'  with  a  budgetary allocation  of  Rs.  500  crores  in  November,  2018.  Ministry  has  organized  number  of roadshows/workshops in the major TOP crops producing states for inviting the proposals in coordination  with  respective  State  Governments.  Till  date,  Ministry  have  received  total  24 project proposals applications for setting up of integrated value chain development projects, out of which, 5 projects have been approved under the scheme, having total project cost of ₹ 425.83 crore including grant in aid of ₹  161.17  Cr.  6  project  proposals  are  under consideration of the Ministry.

- (b): Government is yet to take a decision in this matter.

(c): Under  Operation  Green  scheme,  one  of  five  major  components  of  integrated  value chain  development  project  is  Quality  production,  under  which,  there  is  provision  for providing  quality  inputs  such  as  seeds,  setting  up  of  greenhouses/  protected  cultivation, mechanization of farm practices and varietal changes based on market, for Tomato, Onion and Potato  crops.  In  addition,  Department  of  Agriculture,  Cooperation  &  Farmers  Welfare (DAC&FW)  is  also  implementing  Mission  for  Integrated  Development  of  Horticulture (MIDH) for development of Horticulture in the Country under which Credit linked back ended subsidy  is  available  for  establishment  of  processing  units  of  horticulture  crops  under  the Mission.

(d) & (e): Yes, APEDA is promoting export of its scheduled agro products through APEDA's Medium Term Expenditure Framework (2017-18 to  2019- 20) financial assistance, following Scheme  components  are  available  for  development  and  promotion  of  APEDA  scheduled products:-

## i. Development of Infrastructure

Assistance is available for Food Processing sector for purchase of insulated, reefer  transport  units,  addressing  missing  gaps  which  may  include  facilities like  x-ray,  Screening equipment, Sortex, IQF, cooking/blanching line, filth / metal  detector,  sensors,  vibrators  or  any  new  equipment  or  technology  for food safety and quality requirements.

## ii. Development of Quality

Strengthening of technical and managerial skills;

Assistance  to  National  Referral  Laboratory  (NRL)  and  other  Government /public sector/institutions for residues monitoring of agrochemicals, pesticides, Aflatoxins etc.;

Testing  of  water,  soil  residues  of  pesticide,  veterinary  drugs,  hormones, toxins,  heavy  metals  contaminants,  microbial  count,  etc.  in  agricultural produce/products where residue-monitoring activity is implemented by APEDA. Laboratory for export testing and in-house lab equipment. Support for innovative ideas for infrastructure and quality improvement in agricultural and processed food sector.;

Introduction of new plant/seed/germplasm varieties for export oriented/varieties  suitable  for  processing  for  identified  produce  for  Grapes, Gherkins, Pineapple, White Onion, Groundnuts, Potato, Tomato, Onion etc.;

## iii. Market Development

Development and dissemination of database, market intelligence. Participation in fairs/events/buyer-seller meets/reverses buyer seller meets, trade delegations, etc.

Assistance for Product development, R&D, Enhancement of Traceability, etc.; Assistance for New Market/Product Development through conducting feasibility  studies/assistance for trial  shipment for  fresh horticulture produce and Registration of Brand/IPR outside India.

## iv. Agri Export Policy (AEP)

Government of India has announce the Agri Export Policy in December 2018. The Policy is under implementation. Promotion of Value Added products for export is an identified component under this policy.

*****