Associated News Bureau

Indian Army Strengthens Ration Quality and Operational Logistics Through Bharat Rice Initiative, MoU with FCI

The Indian Army has taken further steps to improve the quality of rations supplied to troops and strengthen logistical preparedness during operational contingencies through the Bharat Rice initiative and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Food Corporation of India (FCI). Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Secretary of the Department of Food and Public Distribution Sanjeev Chopra, and senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, FCI, the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED) and the cooperative sector were present on the occasion. The Bharat Rice initiative, spearheaded by the Directorate General of Supplies and Transport, has been developed in response to sustained feedback from troops, with the objective of improving the quality of rations supplied to Army personnel. Under the initiative, rice will be milled according to prescribed defence specifications and supplied through NAFED during the financial year 2026–27. The rice will undergo mandatory quality-control checks to ensure it is free from foreign matter and admixtures, with minimal broken, damaged and discoloured grains. The procurement of rice in 10-kg and 30-kg bags is expected to facilitate easier handling and transportation, particularly at forward posts. The initiative follows nearly 18 months of coordination among the Indian Army, FCI, NAFED and the Department of Food and Public Distribution. The MoU signed with FCI aims to strengthen the Army's logistical capabilities by providing a formal framework for the utilisation of identified FCI warehousing facilities, manpower and material-handling equipment during operational contingencies. Drawing on operational lessons, including those from Operation Sindoor, the agreement addresses the need for resilient logistics arrangements capable of supporting military requirements during contingencies that may arise at short notice and continue for extended periods. Under the arrangement, coordination will take place at the formation level between the Army's Supply and Transport elements and FCI's regional and divisional offices. The provisions will also be integrated into the Army's operational logistics plans. The MoU will remain valid for five years, with an option for extension by mutual consent. The arrangement is expected to facilitate additional storage capacity, rapid mobilisation, dispersion and forward positioning of rations, stores and equipment closer to operational areas. It will strengthen the responsiveness and resilience of military logistics while making effective use of existing national infrastructure. The initiative reflects a whole-of-government approach to defence logistics and is aligned with the vision of PM Gati Shakti. The Indian Army has also introduced several measures in recent years to improve ration quality and scales, including additional rations for Agniveer recruits and greater uniformity in ration scales across the three Services. The introduction of organic rations is also proposed as part of ongoing efforts to further improve the nutritional quality of food supplied to troops. ANB