Indian rice goes global in the fight against hunger

In a world where more than 670 million people still go to bed hungry each night, a powerful alliance is taking shape in India. The Indian Government and the United Nations World Food Programme have joined forces in an ambitious partnership to turn India's agricultural abundance into a lifeline for the globe's most vulnerable communities.

Under the pact, India will provide 200,000 tonnes of fortified rice over five years from Food Corporation of India warehouses to support humanitarian food and nutrition needs worldwide. This Letter of Intent signed by the Indian Government allows WFP to distribute this rice to populations in crisis zones.

This collaboration underscores the strength of global partnerships. By sourcing rice from India, WFP will utilize the resources of an agricultural surplus nation to deliver life-saving aid and make tangible progress against hunger.

"We deeply appreciate India’s steadfast commitment to fostering a food-secure and peaceful world," said Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director, WFP. "This partnership reflects our joint intent to strengthen global efforts and ensure sustained support for those in need," he added.

Expressing gratitude, WFP’s Deputy Executive Director lauded India’s contribution to the fight against hunger, especially as the world faces rising food insecurity amid constrained humanitarian funding. 

The initiative signifies the culmination of the discussions at the February 2025 Executive Board side event in Rome, where representatives from the Indian Government and WFP explored ways to collaborate.