FCI Signs Landmark MoU with WFP to Supply 2 Lakh MT Rice Annually

India has taken a major step towards strengthening global food security as the Food Corporation of India (FCI) signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Food Programme (WFP) on 18 February 2026. Under the agreement, FCI will supply 200,000 metric tonnes of rice annually for global humanitarian operations. The partnership aims to combat hunger and malnutrition across vulnerable regions. The MoU highlights India’s growing role in supporting international food systems and the Zero Hunger goal.

FCI WFP MoU 2026: Key Highlights of the Agreement

• The FCI WFP MoU 2026 was signed by Rabindra Kumar Agarwal, CMD of Food Corporation of India, and Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme, in the presence of the Secretary of the Department of Food and Public Distribution.
• As per the agreement, FCI will supply 200,000 metric tonnes of rice with up to 25% broken grains.
• The MoU is valid for five years and may be extended by mutual consent. The current price has been fixed at ₹2,800 per quintal until 31 March 2026.

India Global Food Security Commitment Strengthened

• India global food security efforts received a strong boost through this partnership.
• Secretary Sanjeev Chopra stated that India is exporting hope, nutrition, and dignity to people facing hunger.
• The agreement reinforces India’s commitment to ensuring that no one goes hungry.
• As one of the world’s largest agricultural producers, India is playing a key role in stabilising global food supply chains.
• The FCI WFP MoU 2026 demonstrates India’s proactive stance in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition at the international level.

Role of World Food Programme in Combating Hunger

• The World Food Programme is the food assistance branch of the United Nations and works globally to combat hunger and provide emergency food relief.
• Carl Skau welcomed the FCI WFP MoU 2026 as a milestone in fighting global hunger.
• The rice supplied under this agreement will help WFP reach vulnerable populations more effectively.
• This collaboration supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2, which aims to achieve Zero Hunger worldwide by ensuring access to safe and nutritious food.

Economic and Strategic Significance of the Rice Supply Deal

• The FCI WFP MoU 2026 is not just a humanitarian initiative but also strategically important.
• It strengthens India’s image as a responsible and reliable contributor to global food systems.
• The five-year duration ensures supply stability for humanitarian operations.
• The annual pricing mechanism allows flexibility while maintaining long-term cooperation.
• Through India global food security initiatives like this, the country enhances diplomatic goodwill and reinforces its leadership among developing nations.

About FCI and WFP

• The Food Corporation of India (FCI) was established in 1965 to ensure food security through procurement, storage, and distribution of food grains.
• The World Food Programme (WFP) was founded in 1961 and is headquartered in Rome, Italy.
• WFP is the largest humanitarian organisation addressing hunger and food insecurity globally.
• Sustainable Development Goal 2 focuses on ending hunger and achieving food security by 2030.

Question

Q. The rice supply agreement supports which UN Sustainable Development Goal?

A) SDG 1 – No Poverty
B) SDG 2 – Zero Hunger
C) SDG 3 – Good Health
D) SDG 7 – Clean Energy