The Indian Army launched Bharat Rice for defence forces in New Delhi on 12 October 2026. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi attended the launch. An agreement between the Indian Army and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) covers the use of FCI infrastructure for military supply needs during operational contingencies.
Foodgrain Logistics in India
The Food Corporation of India was established in 1965 under the Food Corporations Act, 1964. It operates under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and undertakes the procurement, storage, movement and distribution of foodgrains. Its infrastructure includes warehouses, transport and material-handling resources. The agreement enables the Indian Army to use FCI warehousing, manpower and material-handling resources during contingencies. Such shared infrastructure can support the storage and movement of food supplies when normal supply arrangements face disruption. FCI also manages foodgrain stocks used for the public distribution system and other government requirements.
Military Ration Supply
Bharat Rice will be delivered directly to Army Supply Depots, including depots in Ladakh and the North East. The arrangement replaces the need for units to collect the rice from local FCI facilities. The rice is packed in an ergonomic format, and direct delivery is intended to reduce the burden on soldiers transporting rations to distant locations. Army rations are supplied through logistics networks that serve units stationed in varied terrain, including high-altitude and remote areas. Ladakh includes high-altitude terrain, while the North East has mountainous and forested regions. Food, clothing, fuel and other essentials form part of military supply requirements.
Bharat Rice and Public Food Distribution
Bharat Rice is part of the government’s Bharat Brand range of staple food products. Bharat Rice was introduced for retail sale in February 2024 at a launch price of ₹29 per kilogram, with sales through outlets including Kendriya Bhandar, NAFED and NCCF. The launch for troops forms part of a wider effort to expand Bharat Brand products, including rice and atta, in defence supplies. The government’s defence ration procurement plans also include the phased introduction of organic ration items. Rajnath Singh described Bharat Rice as a link between farmers and soldiers and referred to the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”.
Important Facts for Exams
- The Food Corporations Act was enacted in 1964, and the Food Corporation of India began operations in 1965.
- FCI is responsible for the procurement, storage, movement and distribution of foodgrains.
- Kendriya Bhandar is the Central Government Employees Consumer Cooperative Society.
- “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” was coined by Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.
The agreement covers the use of FCI infrastructure during operational contingencies. Bharat Rice deliveries to Army Supply Depots include remote areas such as Ladakh and the North East.
