Why in News?
The Indian Army launched ‘Bharat Rice’ to improve the quality and delivery of food rations for its personnel. It also signed an agreement with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to utilise FCI infrastructure during operational contingencies. The launch ceremony was held in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi.
About the Bharat Rice Initiative
The initiative is spearheaded by the Directorate General of Supplies and Transport of the Indian Army. It follows feedback from troops and approximately 18 months of coordination among the Army, FCI, the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED) and the Department of Food and Public Distribution.
Under the initiative, rice will be delivered directly to Army Supply Depots, including those in remote areas of Ladakh and the Northeast. This will replace the earlier practice of Army depots collecting supplies from local FCI facilities.
The rice will be milled according to prescribed defence specifications and supplied through NAFED during the financial year 2026–27. Quality-control checks will ensure that the rice is free from foreign matter and admixtures, with minimal broken, damaged and discoloured grains.
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