The MoU with the Food Corporation of India will remain valid for five years and may be extended by mutual consent.
The Indian Army on Monday (October 12, 2026) launched ‘Bharat Rice’ for defence personnel and signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to use its warehousing infrastructure, manpower and material-handling equipment during operational contingencies. Defence Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Pralhad Joshi launched the initiative in New Delhi.
According to the Defence Ministry, the move aims to improve the quality of rations and strengthen military logistics. Rice conforming to prescribed defence specifications will be supplied directly to Army supply depots, including those in remote areas of Ladakh and the Northeast.
“Logistics itself is combat power,” Mr. Singh said, stressing that supply chains, storage capacity, transportation networks and timely replenishment were as critical as weapons and technology in modern warfare.
The MoU will remain valid for five years and may be extended by mutual consent. The rice will be supplied through the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) during the 2026-27 financial year and procured in 10-kg and 30-kg bags.
The initiative follows nearly 18 months of coordination among the Army, FCI, NAFED and the Department of Food and Public Distribution.
Source: The Hindu
