Operation Green Yojana – PM Modi Yojana 2023

Operation Green Yojana is an Indian government scheme launched in 2018 to promote sustainable and profitable agriculture in the country. 

The scheme aims to provide financial and technical assistance to farmers, promote crop diversification, and encourage the adoption of modern agricultural practices. 

The scheme targets 50,000 small and marginal farmers and focuses on eight major horticulture and agriculture commodities such as tomato, onion, potato, banana, mango, and others. 

Through the scheme, the government aims to improve the income of farmers, stabilize prices of perishable commodities, and reduce post-harvest losses. 

It is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and is being implemented by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) and National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and other agencies. 

Objectives Of The Scheme

The main objectives of Operation Green Yojana are:

  1. To improve the income of farmers by stabilizing the prices of perishable commodities through the creation of infrastructure for storage, grading, packaging, and transportation of fruits and vegetables.
  2. To reduce post-harvest losses of perishable commodities by providing financial assistance for the construction of cold storage and other post-harvest management infrastructure.
  3. To promote crop diversification by encouraging farmers to shift from traditional crops to high-value horticultural crops.
  4. To promote the adoption of modern agricultural practices and technologies by providing training and capacity building to farmers.
  5. To support the development of organic farming practices and reduce the dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
  6. To promote the participation of farmers in the organized sector through the creation of farmer-producer organizations (FPOs) and other collective marketing structures.
  7. To support the development of agri-logistics and agri-marketing infrastructure to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the agricultural sector.
  8. To improve the availability of quality planting material to farmers by promoting the development of nurseries and tissue culture facilities.
  9. To support the development of agri-processing industries to add value to agricultural produce and create employment opportunities for farmers.
  10. To promote the participation of women farmers in agriculture through the creation of women farmer producer organizations (WFPOs) and other initiatives.

What Are the Eligibility criteria for farmers For Operation Green Yojana?

The eligibility criteria for farmers to participate in Operation Green Yojana are:

  1. The farmer should be a small or marginal farmer with less than 2 hectares of landholding.
  2. The farmer should be engaged in the cultivation of horticultural and agricultural commodities covered under the scheme.
  3. The farmer should be a member of a Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) or willing to form or join an FPO.
  4. The farmer should have a valid agricultural landholding certificate and should be willing to provide all necessary documents required for the scheme.
  5. The farmer should be willing to adopt modern agricultural practices and technologies as per the guidelines of the scheme.
  6. The farmer should have a good track record of timely repayment of any agricultural loans taken in the past.
  7. The farmer should be willing to participate in training and capacity-building programs as per the scheme.
  8. The farmer should be willing to participate in price stabilization measures as per the scheme.

It is important to note that the exact eligibility criteria may vary depending on the specific implementation of the scheme in a particular state or region. 

It would be advisable for farmers to check with the local authorities for more specific information about the eligibility criteria for the scheme.

Coverage Of Crops Under The Scheme

Operation Green Yojana covers eight major horticultural and agricultural commodities such as tomato, onion, potato, banana, mango, and others. 

The scheme targets these specific commodities as they are considered perishable and have a high demand in the domestic and export markets. 

The scheme aims to promote sustainable and profitable cultivation of these crops and to improve the income of farmers.

The scheme also covers post-harvest management, value addition, and marketing of these commodities. 

The government provides financial assistance for the construction of cold storage, grading and packaging facilities, and transportation infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses and improve the quality of the produce.

It is important to note that the specific crops covered under the scheme may vary depending on the specific implementation of the scheme in a particular state or region. 

It would be advisable for farmers to check with the local authorities for more specific information about the coverage of crops under the scheme.

Financial Assistance Provided By The Government

The financial assistance provided by the government under Operation Green Yojana is intended to support farmers in the sustainable and profitable cultivation of horticultural and agricultural commodities. 

The specific financial assistance provided may vary depending on the specific implementation of the scheme in a particular state or region. 

However, some of the common forms of financial assistance provided by the government under the scheme include:

  1. Investment subsidy: The government provides an investment subsidy for the construction of cold storage, grading and packaging facilities, and transportation infrastructure for the storage and marketing of horticultural and agricultural commodities.
  2. Price stabilization fund: The government provides a price stabilization fund to stabilize prices of perishable commodities through market intervention.
  3. Interest subsidy: The government provides an interest subsidy on the loan taken by farmers for the construction of cold storage, grading and packaging facilities, and transportation infrastructure.
  4. Technical assistance: The government provides technical assistance to farmers for the adoption of modern agricultural practices and technologies through training and capacity-building programs.
  5. Support for organic farming: The government provides financial assistance for the conversion of conventional farms to organic farms and the development of vermicomposting and bio-pesticides production units.
  6. Support for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): The government provides financial assistance for the formation and strengthening of FPOs and Women Farmer Producer Organizations (WFPOs) for the collective marketing of agricultural produce.

It is important to note that the financial assistance provided by the government under the scheme may be subject to change depending on the budget allocation and policy decisions of the government.

Implementation And Monitoring Of The Scheme

Operation Green Yojana is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and is being implemented by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) and National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and other agencies.

The scheme is implemented through a decentralized approach, with the state governments playing a key role in its implementation. 

The state governments are responsible for identifying eligible farmers and providing them with financial assistance and technical support. 

The state governments also assist in the formation of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Women Farmer Producer Organizations (WFPOs), which play a key role in the scheme.

Monitoring of the scheme is done by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, which is responsible for ensuring that the scheme is being implemented as per the guidelines and that the objectives of the scheme are being met. 

The Ministry also conducts regular evaluations of the scheme to assess its impact on farmers and make any necessary adjustments to the scheme.

The monitoring and evaluation process includes regular review meetings at the state and central levels, and the collection of data on the number of farmers benefiting from the scheme, the area under cultivation, and the amount of financial assistance provided. 

The data is analyzed and used to identify the areas where the scheme is performing well and the areas where improvements are needed.

The State Governments are responsible for implementing the scheme as per the guidelines and are required to submit regular reports to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare regarding the progress and achievements under the scheme.

It is important to note that the specific implementation and monitoring process of the scheme may vary depending on the specific implementation of the scheme in a particular state or region.

Role Of State Governments In Operation Green Yojana

The role of state governments in Operation Green Yojana is crucial as the scheme is implemented through a decentralized approach. 

Some of the key responsibilities of state governments in the scheme include:

  1. Identification of eligible farmers: State governments are responsible for identifying small and marginal farmers who are eligible for the scheme and providing them with financial assistance and technical support.
  2. Implementation of the scheme: State governments are responsible for the implementation of the scheme in their respective states, and for ensuring that the scheme is being implemented as per the guidelines.
  3. Support for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): State governments assist in the formation and strengthening of FPOs and Women Farmer Producer Organizations (WFPOs), which play a key role in the scheme.
  4. Providing technical assistance: State governments provide technical assistance to farmers for the adoption of modern agricultural practices and technologies through training and capacity-building programs.
  5. Providing financial assistance: State governments provide financial assistance to farmers for the construction of cold storage, grading and packaging facilities, and transportation infrastructure.
  6. Price stabilization fund: State governments also provide financial assistance to farmers through price stabilization funds to stabilize prices of perishable commodities through market intervention.
  7. Monitoring and reporting: State governments are responsible for monitoring the implementation of the scheme and for submitting regular reports to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare regarding the progress and achievements under the scheme.
  8. Collaboration with other government schemes: State governments are also responsible for collaborating with other government schemes and programs to ensure that the objectives of Operation Green Yojana are met.

It is important to note that the specific responsibilities of state governments in the scheme may vary depending on the specific implementation of the scheme in a particular state or region.

Impact On Small And Marginal Farmers

The impact of Operation Green Yojana on small and marginal farmers is expected to be positive, as the scheme is specifically targeted toward this group of farmers. The scheme aims to improve the income of small and marginal farmers by stabilizing prices of perishable commodities, reducing post-harvest losses, promoting crop diversification, and encouraging the adoption of modern agricultural practices and technologies.

By providing financial assistance for the construction of cold storage, grading and packaging facilities, and transportation infrastructure, the scheme aims to improve the quality and value of the produce of small and marginal farmers. 

This, in turn, is expected to increase their income and reduce their dependence on traditional crops that have low market prices.

The scheme also aims to promote the formation of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Women Farmer Producer Organizations (WFPOs) which can provide small and marginal farmers with collective marketing opportunities, thereby increasing their bargaining power and access to better prices for their produce.

The scheme also provides technical assistance and training to small and marginal farmers to help them adopt modern agricultural practices and technologies, which can help them increase their yields and improve the quality of their produce.

It is important to note that the specific impact of the scheme on small and marginal farmers may vary depending on the specific implementation of the scheme in a particular state or region, and the level of participation of farmers. 

An evaluation of the scheme will be needed to assess the actual impact on small and marginal farmers.

Role Of The Private Sector In Operation Green Yojana

The role of the private sector in Operation Green Yojana is to support the implementation of the scheme and to contribute to its objectives. The private sector can contribute to the scheme in several ways:

  1. Investment in cold storage, grading, packaging, and transportation infrastructure: Private companies can invest in the construction of cold storage, grading and packaging facilities, and transportation infrastructure for the storage and marketing of horticultural and agricultural commodities.
  2. Support for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): Private companies can provide financial and technical assistance to FPOs and Women Farmer Producer Organizations (WFPOs) to help them improve their organizational and operational capacity.
  3. Agri-business and agri-processing: Private companies can invest in agri-business and agri-processing industries to add value to agricultural produce and create employment opportunities for farmers.
  4. Support for organic farming: Private companies can invest in organic farming, and in the production of organic fertilizers, pesticides, and other inputs, to support the conversion of conventional farms to organic farms.
  5. Training and capacity building: Private companies can provide training and capacity-building programs to farmers to help them adopt modern agricultural practices and technologies.
  6. Collaboration with government agencies: Private companies can collaborate with government agencies and international organizations to support the implementation of the scheme and to share best practices.

It is important to note that the specific role of the private sector in the scheme may vary depending on the specific implementation of the scheme in a particular state or region and the level of participation of the private sector.

Role Of NABARD In Operation Green Yojana

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) plays a crucial role in the implementation of Operation Green Yojana. Some of the key responsibilities of NABARD in the scheme include:

  1. Extension of credit: NABARD provides credit to farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and other agencies involved in the implementation of the scheme.
  2. Refinance: NABARD provides refinance to banks and other financial institutions for their lending to farmers, FPOs, and other agencies involved in the implementation of the scheme.
  3. Technical assistance: NABARD provides technical assistance to farmers, FPOs, and other agencies involved in the implementation of the scheme.
  4. Capacity building: NABARD organizes training and capacity-building programs for farmers, FPOs, and other agencies involved in the implementation of the scheme.
  5. Monitoring and evaluation: NABARD monitors and evaluates the implementation of the scheme and provides feedback to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
  6. Support for organic farming: NABARD provides financial assistance to farmers, FPOs, and other agencies for the conversion of conventional farms to organic farms, and the development of vermicomposting and bio-pesticides production units
  7. Support for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): NABARD provides financial and technical assistance to FPOs and Women Farmer Producer Organizations (WFPOs) to help them improve their organizational and operational capacity.

NABARD is a development bank and it plays a major role in rural development, it supports the government in the implementation of various schemes and plans and provides financial and technical assistance for the development of agriculture and rural areas.

Role of Women Farmer Producers Organizations In The Scheme

The role of Women Farmer Producer Organizations (WFPOs) in Operation Green Yojana is significant as the scheme aims to promote the participation of women farmers in agriculture. 

Some of the key responsibilities of WFPOs in the scheme include:

  1. Representation of women farmers: WFPOs represent the interests of women farmers and provide them with a platform to voice their concerns and needs.
  2. Collective marketing: WFPOs provide women farmers with collective marketing opportunities, thereby increasing their bargaining power and access to better prices for their produce.
  3. Training and capacity building: WFPOs provide training and capacity-building programs to women farmers on modern agricultural practices and technologies, as well as on business management and leadership skills.
  4. Support for organic farming: WFPOs provide support for organic farming and the production of organic fertilizers, pesticides, and other inputs.
  5. Facilitation of credit: WFPOs facilitate the access of women farmers to credit and other financial services.
  6. Support for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): WFPOs provide support to FPOs and other organizations involved in the implementation of the scheme.
  7. Monitoring and evaluation: WFPOs monitor and evaluate the implementation of the scheme and provide feedback to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.

By promoting the participation of women farmers in agriculture, WFPOs can help to improve the livelihoods of rural women and promote gender equality in the agricultural sector. 

It can also help to increase the productivity of the agricultural sector by tapping into the full potential of women farmers.

Evaluation And Review Of The Scheme

Evaluation and review of Operation Green Yojana is an important process to assess the effectiveness of the scheme and to identify areas for improvement. 

The scheme is monitored and evaluated regularly by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and other implementing agencies, such as the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), and other agencies.

The evaluation and review process includes the collection and analysis of data on the number of farmers benefiting from the scheme, the area under cultivation, and the amount of financial assistance provided. 

The data is used to assess the achievement of the scheme’s objectives and to identify the areas where the scheme is performing well and the areas where improvements are needed.

The evaluation process also includes the assessment of the scheme’s impact on small and marginal farmers, and on the agricultural sector as a whole.

This can be done through surveys, focus group discussions, and other methods to gather feedback from farmers and other stakeholders.

The review process includes regular review meetings at the state and central levels, where the progress of the scheme is discussed and any necessary adjustments are made. 

The review process also includes the assessment of the scheme’s alignment with other government schemes and programs and the identification of any potential opportunities for collaboration.

It is important to note that the specific evaluation and review process of the scheme may vary depending on the specific implementation of the scheme in a particular state or region. 

It is also important to have a standardized evaluation process that is carried out by an independent organization to ensure the accuracy of the results and avoid any biases.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, Operation Green Yojana is an important scheme launched by the government of India to support the sustainable and profitable cultivation of horticultural and agricultural commodities. 

The scheme aims to improve the income of small and marginal farmers by stabilizing prices of perishable commodities, reducing post-harvest losses, promoting crop diversification, and encouraging the adoption of modern agricultural practices and technologies.

The scheme is implemented through a decentralized approach, with state governments playing a key role in its implementation.

The scheme is monitored and evaluated regularly by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and other implementing agencies, such as the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), and other agencies.

The private sector and NABARD also play an important role in the implementation of the scheme. 

The private sector can contribute to the scheme by investing in cold storage, grading, packaging, and transportation infrastructure, supporting FPOs, and providing training and capacity-building programs. 

NABARD provides credit to farmers, FPOs, and other agencies involved in the implementation of the scheme, and also provides refinance to banks and other financial institutions for their lending to farmers, FPOs, and other agencies involved in the implementation of the scheme.

Overall, Operation Green Yojana is a scheme that aims to support the sustainable and profitable cultivation of horticultural and agricultural commodities and to improve the income of small and marginal farmers. 

It is important to monitor and evaluate the scheme regularly to ensure that the objectives of the scheme are being met, and to make any necessary adjustments to the scheme.

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