[Enroll] Operation Green Scheme 2026 Online Application - 50% Freight Subsidy for Fruit and Vegetable Air Cargo

Central government has initiated the Operation Green Scheme 2026 to stabilize the market prices of tomatoes, onions, and potatoes (TOP). Under the Operation Greens mission, shipments of all notified fruits and vegetables are eligible for a 50% air freight subsidy, regardless of price or volume. Review the list of covered produce, assistance guidelines, duration, eligible participants, and claim submission procedures. Complete the online registration form to apply for the air transport subsidy.

State governments previously provided incentives to farmers to increase the yields of these three staples under the TOP Scheme, which helped regulate prices even during periods of low supply. The current Operation Greens initiative expands this focus to include a broader range of fruits and vegetables, transitioning from "TOP to Total."

The original TOP program was designed to encourage the processing of tomatoes, onions, and potatoes and improve their supply chain. For this expanded initiative, the central government allocated Rs. 500 crore in the annual budget. Furthermore, the authorities are streamlining supply chains and developing infrastructure to ensure better preservation for all crops covered under the "TOP to Total" framework.

Operation Green Scheme 2026

On November 11, 2020, the central government unveiled the "Operation Green" initiative. This program offers a 50% subsidy to Himalayan and North-Eastern states for the air transport of 41 notified fruits and vegetables to any destination within India. Airlines apply this subsidy directly by billing suppliers, consignors, consignees, or agents only half of the standard freight charges.

The remaining 50% is subsequently claimed by the airline from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries. This policy was detailed in a statement by the Union Food Processing Industries Ministry, with amended guidelines issued on November 2, 2020.

List of Fruits Eligible for Air Subsidy in Operation Green Scheme  

Under the Operation Greens framework, all notified fruit and vegetable shipments qualify for a 50 percent freight subsidy, regardless of quantity or market price. The 21 eligible fruits include:

1. Mango
2. Banana
3. Guava
4. Orange
5. Mousambi
6. Litchi
7. Kiwi
8. Lime
9. Lemon
10. Pineapple
11. Pomegranate
12. Papaya
13. Apple
14. Almond
15. Pear
16. Sweet Potato
17. Chikoo
18. Passion fruit
19. Jackfruit
20. Kinnow
21. Aonla

List of Vegetables Eligible for Air Subsidy in Operation Greens Scheme  

The program covers 19 vegetables for air subsidy, which are listed below