The Indian Army officially launched ‘Bharat Rice’ for defence forces today in the presence of Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi.
Spearheaded by the Directorate General of Supplies and Transport, ‘Bharat Rice’ is a superior-quality, defence-milled grain that will be delivered directly to Army Supply Depots via NAFED during FY 2026-27.
Packaged in ergonomic 10 kg and 30 kg bags, the high-grade ration is specifically designed to ease transportation and handling in remote, rugged terrains across Ladakh and the North East.
A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between the Indian Army and the Food Corporation of India (FCI). Valid for five years, the pact enables the armed forces to utilise FCI’s nationwide warehousing, material-handling equipment, and labour resources during operational contingencies.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the launch, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh stated that modern warfare demands robust logistics as core combat power. Drawing operational lessons from Operation Sindoor, he emphasised that integrating existing national infrastructure with military planning embodies a true ‘Whole-of-Government’ approach to national security.
Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, FCI, and NAFED, attended the ceremony.
