Indian Army Launches Bharat Rice for Troops, Signs MoU With FCI

AI FEED

The Indian Army has launched Bharat Rice to improve the quality and delivery of rations for personnel.
Rice will be supplied through NAFED to Army Supply Depots, including facilities in remote areas of Ladakh and the Northeast.
A five-year agreement with FCI will allow the Army to use designated warehouses, labour and material-handling equipment during operational contingencies.

New Delhi: The Indian Army on Monday launched Bharat Rice, an initiative aimed at improving ration quality and delivery to troops, and signed a five-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to strengthen military logistics during operational contingencies.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi attended the launch ceremony in New Delhi.

Under the new arrangement, rice will be delivered directly to Army Supply Depots, including those in remote areas of Ladakh and the Northeast. This will replace the existing practice of Army depots collecting supplies from nearby FCI facilities.

Bharat Rice to Improve Ration Quality and Delivery

The initiative has been spearheaded by the Directorate General of Supplies and Transport following feedback from troops and nearly 18 months of coordination among the Army, FCI, the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED) and the Department of Food and Public Distribution.

During the 2026-27 financial year, rice will be milled according to prescribed defence specifications and supplied through NAFED.

The rice will undergo quality-control checks to ensure it is free from foreign matter and admixtures, with minimal broken, damaged and discoloured grains.

Procurement in 10-kg and 30-kg bags is intended to simplify handling and transportation, particularly at forward posts where moving supplies can be difficult.

Singh described the initiative as a connection between farmers and soldiers, calling it a practical expression of the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”.

“This superior-quality rice will be provided in accordance with standard specifications. Furthermore, we are ensuring ergonomic packaging,” Singh said.

He added that the initiative would reduce operational difficulties for personnel transporting rations through challenging terrain.

Five-Year Agreement With FCI to Strengthen Army Logistics

The MoU establishes a formal framework for the Army to use identified FCI warehouses, labour resources and material-handling equipment during operational contingencies. The agreement will run for five years and may be extended by mutual consent.

The arrangement is designed to support additional storage, rapid mobilisation and the positioning of rations, stores and equipment closer to operational areas.

It will also allow the Army to make greater use of existing national infrastructure rather than relying exclusively on dedicated military facilities.

Coordination will take place at formation level between the Army’s Supply and Transport units and FCI’s regional and divisional offices. The arrangements will also be incorporated into operational logistics plans.

Operation Sindoor Highlights Need for Resilient Supply Chains

Singh said lessons from Operation Sindoor had underlined the need for supply chains capable of supporting military operations when contingencies arise with little warning and continue for extended periods.

“The strategic analysis of Operation Sindoor indicated that warning times could be extremely short in future conflicts,” he said.

He warned that situations with little or no advance warning, combined with technology-driven warfare, could test both military preparedness and the endurance of logistics networks.

The minister described logistics as a component of combat power, emphasising the importance of storage capacity, transportation networks, warehousing and timely replenishment.

Civilian Infrastructure to Support National Security

Singh said FCI’s nationwide network of warehouses, modern silos, handling equipment and trained personnel could be aligned with national security requirements.

He described the arrangement as a dual-use approach, allowing infrastructure developed for civilian purposes to support military needs during contingencies.

Drawing comparisons with fighter aircraft using expressways and Border Roads Organisation roads and bridges serving local communities, Singh said the integration of FCI facilities into Army supply chains would help optimise existing resources.

“This MoU is far more than a mere administrative arrangement. It acts as a force multiplier for operational preparedness and reflects our ‘Whole-of-Government’ and ‘Whole-of-Nation’ approach,” he said.

Singh also highlighted the government’s emphasis on self-reliance and modernisation in weapons, technology, clothing, equipment and training. He said innovation and coordination were essential to ensuring quality supplies and timely delivery to forward areas.