New Delhi, August 25 (HS): The Government of India and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) on Monday signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) marking a new phase of collaboration to fight global hunger by enabling the supply of fortified rice from India to vulnerable populations in crisis zones worldwide.

Under the initiative, the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) has offered WFP access to India’s surplus fortified rice stocks, ensuring critical food and nutritional support for communities facing acute food insecurity.

“India is committed to the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family—and it is our collective responsibility to support food security wherever the need arises,” said Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary, DFPD.

Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director of WFP, welcomed the step, calling it “a reflection of India’s steadfast commitment to a food-secure and peaceful world.” He noted that India’s contribution comes at a time of mounting hunger compounded by shrinking humanitarian resources.

A milestone in humanitarian partnership

The agreement follows discussions at WFP’s Executive Board side event in Rome earlier this year, where both sides explored collaborative pathways. The LoI aims to ensure a dependable supply of food grains for humanitarian distribution while deepening strategic cooperation.

Ongoing India–WFP projects on supply chain optimisation, fortified rice rollout, Annapurti grain ATMs, Jan Poshan Kendras, smart warehousing technology, and mobile storage units were also reviewed, paving the way for future joint initiatives.

Senior officials present included Ashutosh Agnihotri, Chairman & Managing Director of the Food Corporation of India; Samir Wanmali, WFP’s Asia-Pacific Regional Director; Elisabeth Faure, WFP India Country Director; along with senior DFPD representatives.

The collaboration highlights India’s role as an agricultural surplus economy stepping up to address the global hunger crisis through humanitarian solidarity and sustainable food partnerships.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar