WFP Logistics

Overview
WFP has been the largest multilateral conduit for external food assistance to India, supporting the Government of India (GOI)’s efforts to tackle the challenge of feeding its vast numbers. WFP has channelled over US$ 1 billion through both development and emergency projects in India.

India is also a major entry point for food commodities destined for neighbouring countries. India Country Office (CO) has procured and delivered food commodities to countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar, Bhutan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan

Team
The WFP India Logistics Team consist of five national staff.

Activities
Port Operations
India has 13 major and 29 minor ports. WFP-imported commodities are received at Kandla, Jamnagar, Visakhapatnam, Paradip and Calcutta ports. Upon landing, the commodities are passed onto the implementing partner (the Government of India) for clearance and transport of the commodities to the appropriate storage location. .

Storage
GOI have their warehousing facilities at district and block levels. The commodities from the supplier’s warehouses are stored at district and/or block levels from where the commodities are further transported to distribution points. WFP does not have its own storage capacity.

Surface Transport
Within India, transport of commodities can be carried out by road and rail. Transport of commodities is handled by the Government of India.

Aviation
There are no aviation operations in India

WFP Logistics Service Provision
WFP Logistics is currently not providing services to other humanitarian organisations working in India. However, in case of emergency, WFP will assist the Government of India with logistics services.

In addition, the India office is assisting neighbouring countries in their logistics endeavours. In recent years, the GOI has also been providing in-kind donations to two countries, namely Afghanistan and Iraq. The logistics arrangements through the supplier were finalized from the Indian side in coordination with WFP Pakistan and Afghanistan. Commodities destined for Afghanistan have been transported through the Attari/Wagha border thereby substantially reducing the cost of logistic operations. Previously, the biscuits were shipped through Kandla/Mundra port to Bandar Abbas in Iran and transported by road from there to Afghanistan. Commodities destined for Iraq are shipped from the containerized Mundra port via Lattakia for delivery to Iraq and via Tartous in Syria for delivery to Iraqi refugees there.