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India strengthens global food security with five-year rice supply deal with World Food Programme
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Monday, 23 February, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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The Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the World Food Programme (WFP) recently signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to supply rice for global humanitarian operations, reinforcing India’s commitment to combating hunger and supporting international food security efforts.
The agreement, inked in New Delhi on 18 February 2026, was signed by Rabindra Kumar Agarwal, chairman and managing director of FCI, and Carl Skau, deputy executive director of the World Food Programme, in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. Under the pact, the FCI will supply up to 200,000 metric tonnes of rice — including rice with up to 25% broken content — to the WFP over the next five years.
The MoU is valid for five years and may be extended by mutual agreement. Pricing for the supplies will be reviewed and agreed annually, with the current rate fixed at Rs 2,800 per quintal until 31 March 2026.
Speaking on the occasion, Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary of the Department of Food and Public Distribution, said the partnership is about “exporting hope, nutrition and dignity” to vulnerable populations worldwide, highlighting India’s resolve that “no one should go hungry.” He emphasised that the agreement underscores India’s broader commitment to tackling malnutrition and food insecurity in collaboration with global partners.
Carl Skau of the WFP described the agreement as a “key milestone” in the fight against global hunger, stating that India’s support will help the agency reach at-risk communities more effectively over the coming years. He praised India as a major agricultural nation whose contributions are critical to advancing the United Nations’ Zero Hunger goals.
The MoU further strengthens the strategic cooperation between India and the World Food Programme, reaffirming India’s role as a reliable and responsible contributor to global food systems and humanitarian relief operations.
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