India Signs Letter of Intent with UN’s World Food Programme to Combat Global Hunger.
National
In August 2025, the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD), under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (MoCAF&PD), signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) in New Delhi. The collaboration focuses on addressing global hunger, fortifying rice supply, and supporting food security through India’s humanitarian initiatives.
- The agreement was signed in the presence of key dignitaries including Ashutosh Agnihotri, Chairman and Managing Director of the Food Corporation of India (FCI); Samir Wanmali, WFP Regional Director for Asia and Pacific; Carl Skau, WFP Deputy Executive Director; Bishow Parajuli, WFP Country Director for India; and senior officials from DFPD such as Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary. Their participation underlined India’s commitment to the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which means the world is one family.
- The Letter of Intent foresees India supplying up to 200,000 metric tonnes (MT) of fortified rice over the next five years. This fortified rice will be rolled out across nutrition-linked government programmes such as the Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-Day Meal Scheme, and Poshan Abhiyaan, supporting both domestic and international hunger mitigation efforts.
- This LoI builds upon discussions held earlier in February 2025 during the WFP Executive Board meeting in Rome, Italy. It reflects India’s transition from being a food-deficit nation to a global supplier of humanitarian food aid. Over the years, India has played an increasing role in international cooperation on food distribution, particularly during crisis situations.
Main Point :- (i) The ongoing cooperation with WFP includes initiatives like the deployment of Grain ATMs under the Annapurti scheme, automated teller machines (ATMs) for food grains to ensure easier access for communities, smart warehousing systems, and the introduction of mobile storage units (Rospans). Additionally, the Jan Poshan Kendras (JPKs) are being promoted as centres to disseminate community-based nutrition awareness and fortified food.
(ii) India, along with Brazil and South Africa, has been recognised for strong food security models and diplomatic influence. Backed by the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS), India is working with the World Food Programme (WFP) to set up a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in nutrition and food systems.
About World Food Programme (WFP)
Executive Director (ED) : Cindy McCain
Headquarters : Rome, Italy
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