On Wednesday, the federal Indian government announced a scheme under which a 50 percent subsidy will be provided for air transportation of 41 fruits and vegetables from North Eastern and Himalayan states to any place in the country.
Union Food Processing Industries Ministry said the transportation subsidy will be provided as part of the ‘Operation Green Scheme TOP to TOTAL’. “Airlines will provide the transport subsidy directly to the supplier/ consignor/ consignee/ agent by way of charging only 50 per cent of the actual contracted freight charges and will claim the balance 50 per cent from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries as subsidy,” it said in a statement.
The amended scheme guidelines were notified on November 2. Under the ‘Operation Greens scheme’ for air transportation from eligible airports, all consignment of notified fruits and vegetables irrespective of quantity and price would be eligible for 50 per cent freight subsidy.
Twenty one fruits—Mango, Banana, Guava, Kiwi, Litchi, Mousambi, Orange, Kinnow, Lime, Lemon, Papaya, Pineapple, Pomegranate, Jackfruit, Apple, Almond, Aonla, Passion fruit, Pear, Sweet Potato and Chikoo—are eligible for air transportation subsidy.
Apart from these, 20 vegetables - French beans, Bitter Gourd, Brinjal, Capsicum, Carrot, Cauliflower, Chillies (Green), Okra, Cucumber, Peas, Garlic, Onion, Potato, Tomato, Large Cardamom, Pumpkin, Ginger, Cabbage, Squash and Turmeric (dry) are also eligible.
