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 (UN’s) World Food Programme (WFP) in New Delhi, Delhi to strengthen cooperation in addressing global hunger.
- The initiative underscores “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, the world is one family, highlighting India’s global humanitarian outlook.
Exam Hints:
- What? Signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI)
- Signed by: India & UN’s WFP
- Nodal Department: DFPD, MoCAF&PD
- Purpose: Combat global hunger in crisis zones
- Supply Commitment: Up to 200,000 MT of fortified rice over 5 years
- Initiatives: Fortified rice rollout, grain ATMs, smart warehousing
- Philosophy: Guided by “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”
About Letter of Intent (LoI):
Dignitaries: The event was attended by Ashutosh Agnihotri, Chairman & Managing Director (CMD), Food Corporation of India (FCI); Samir Wanmali, Regional Director (RD), WFP Asia and Pacific Regional Office (APARO); Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director (DED), WEP; Elisabeth Faure, Country Director, WFP India; Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary, DFPD, along with senior officials from the DFPD, GoI.
Supply Commitment: The agreement foresees supplying up to 200,000 metric tonnes(MT) of fortified rice over the next 5 years.
Background:
WFP Discussions: The LoI is a continuation of the discussions held during the WFP Executive Board side event in Rome(Italy) in February 2025.
India’s Transition: India has moved from being a food-scarce nation to becoming a global supplier of humanitarian food aid.
Ongoing Cooperation with WFP:
Rollout: Implementation of fortified rice across nutrition programmes to address malnutrition.
Optimisation: Operational savings of around USD 30 million achieved in Ethiopia and Sudan through improved supply chain management.
Annapurti Devices (Grain ATMs): Deployment of Annapurti devices, Automated Teller Machines(ATMs)for food grains, to enhance access to subsidised food for communities.
Smart Warehousing & Flospans: Introduction of smart warehousing and mobile storage units (Flospans) to modernise food storage and logistics.
Jan Poshan Kendras(JPK): Establishment of JPK to promote community-based nutrition awareness and services.
India’s Role in Global Hunger Solutions:
Global Recognition: India, Brazil, and South Africa have been recognised for their food security models and diplomatic influence.
CoE in India: The WFP is exploring the establishment of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in India to share best practices globally.
Policy Models: India’s National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 and Mid-Day Meal Scheme are serving as models for countries like Sudan and Haiti.
About World Food Programme (WFP):
Executive Director (ED)– Cindy McCain
Headquarters– Rome, Italy
Established– 1961
