In a significant development highlighting the expanding role of the cooperative sector in national security, the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED) will supply ‘Bharat Rice’ to the Indian Armed Forces during the financial year 2026-27.
The initiative, launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi in New Delhi on Monday, aims to ensure the supply of superior-quality rice directly to Army Supply Depots, including those located in far-flung areas of Ladakh and the North East.
The involvement of NAFED places the cooperative institution in an important position within the defence forces’ food supply chain, connecting agricultural production with the nutritional requirements of soldiers serving in difficult operational conditions.
The rice will be milled according to prescribed defence specifications and supplied through NAFED after undergoing the requisite quality-control checks. It will be free from foreign matter and admixtures, with minimal broken, damaged and discoloured grains. The procurement will be undertaken in 10 kg and 30 kg bags to facilitate easier handling and transportation, particularly at forward posts.
Addressing the launch ceremony, Rajnath Singh described Bharat Rice as a bond of trust that begins in the farmer’s field and extends to the soldier’s plate. He said the initiative gives tangible expression to the spirit of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’, reflecting how the hard work of farmers contributes to the strength of soldiers.
He also acknowledged the contribution of farmers, the cooperative sector and civil administration in supporting the armed forces, emphasising that soldiers must have the confidence that the entire country stands behind them.
The Defence Minister stressed that operational preparedness is not limited to weapons and technology, but also depends on the strength of logistics, supply chains, storage facilities and timely replenishment. He said logistics itself has become a form of combat power in modern warfare.
The occasion also witnessed the signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Army and the Food Corporation of India (FCI). Under the agreement, the Army will be able to utilise identified FCI warehouses, storage facilities, manpower and material-handling equipment during operational contingencies.
Drawing lessons from Operation Sindoor, the arrangement aims to strengthen logistics resilience, enable rapid mobilisation and facilitate the forward positioning of rations, stores and equipment closer to operational areas.
Rajnath Singh said the agreement represents a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach, ensuring that existing civilian infrastructure can also serve strategic national security requirements.
Pralhad Joshi appreciated the initiative, stating that providing quality food to those protecting the nation is a responsibility of his ministry.
The event was attended by Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Secretary (Food and Public Distribution) Sanjeev Chopra and senior officials from the Defence Ministry, FCI, NAFED and the cooperative sector.
The Bharat Rice initiative follows nearly 18 months of coordination among the Army, FCI, NAFED and the Department of Food and Public Distribution.
