India has signed a five-year pact with the World Food Programme to supply 200,000 metric tonnes of rice through the Food Corporation of India to support global hunger relief efforts
India has signed a five-year agreement with the World Food Programme (WFP) on Wednesday to supply rice for global humanitarian operations, in a move that strengthens New Delhi’s role in addressing food insecurity worldwide.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and WFP to support emergency food assistance and hunger-relief efforts across vulnerable regions.
According to an official statement, FCI will supply up to 200,000 metric tonnes of rice — with up to 25 per cent broken grains — over a five-year period. The agreement may be extended by mutual consent.
Pricing and supply terms
The price of rice will be determined annually through mutual agreement. For the current period, the price has been fixed at Rs 2,800 per quintal until March 31, 2026, according to the official release.
The agreement was signed by FCI Chairman and Managing Director Rabindra Kumar Agarwal and Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director of WFP.
Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution, described the pact as a reflection of India’s growing global responsibility in food security.
“Through our partnership with WFP, we are exporting hope, nutrition, and dignity to those facing hunger,” he said.
Carl Skau termed the agreement a milestone in the fight against global hunger.
“India’s support will help WFP reach vulnerable populations with nutritious food more effectively over the next five years. As a major agricultural nation and a proponent of global solidarity, India inspires us to turn the Zero Hunger goal into action,” he said, thanking India for what he called a transformative partnership.
The agreement comes at a time when food insecurity remains acute in parts of Africa, West Asia and conflict-affected regions, with multilateral agencies grappling with funding and supply constraints.
The pact reinforces India’s positioning as a reliable contributor to global food systems, even as it balances domestic food security imperatives. The deal also builds on New Delhi’s broader push to project itself as a leader of the Global South, particularly on issues of development, nutrition and humanitarian relief.
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