India has reinforced its commitment to global food security with the signing of a five year Memorandum of Understanding between the Food Corporation of India and the World Food Programme for the supply of rice to support humanitarian operations worldwide.
The agreement, signed on 18 February 2026, provides for the supply of 200,000 metric tonnes of rice, with up to 25 percent broken content, to the World Food Programme for its global hunger relief initiatives. The MoU will remain valid for five years from the date of signing and may be extended by mutual consent of both parties.
The MoU was signed by Rabindra Kumar Agarwal, Chairman and Managing Director of the Food Corporation of India, and Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme, in the presence of Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution.
Under the agreement, the price of rice will be mutually agreed on an annual basis. The current price has been fixed at INR 2,800 per quintal, applicable up to 31 March 2026.
Addressing the occasion, Sanjeev Chopra stated that the partnership reflects India’s commitment to addressing hunger beyond its borders. He said the agreement demonstrates India’s resolve to support global efforts to combat malnutrition and food insecurity, and to stand in solidarity with vulnerable populations facing humanitarian crises.
Carl Skau described the agreement as a significant milestone in the global fight against hunger. He noted that India’s support would enable the World Food Programme to reach vulnerable communities more effectively over the next five years. He also acknowledged India’s position as a major agricultural nation and a key partner in advancing the global Zero Hunger objective.
The agreement comes at a time when global food systems continue to face pressure from conflict, climate change and economic disruptions. By leveraging its robust public procurement and distribution infrastructure, India is extending support to international humanitarian efforts through structured institutional cooperation.
The Food Corporation of India, which manages procurement, storage and distribution of food grains under India’s public distribution framework, will channel the agreed quantity of rice to the World Food Programme in accordance with the terms of the MoU.
The partnership strengthens institutional cooperation between India and the World Food Programme and reinforces India’s role as a reliable contributor to global food security and humanitarian assistance.
