India observes National Farmers' Day, also recognized as Kisan Diwas, on December 23rd. This day pays tribute to the birthday of Choudhary Charan Singh, the fifth Prime Minister of India and a prominent leader of farmers. Singh implemented numerous policies aimed at enhancing the well-being of Indian farmers.

Celebrated to acknowledge and express gratitude for farmers' vital contributions to society, the day underscores their pivotal role as the backbone of the country.

Why is National Farmers Day Celebrated on December 23?

National Farmers Day coincides with the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, the fifth Prime Minister of India, who is often hailed as a champion of farmers' rights. Chaudhary Charan Singh, born on December 23, 1902, was known for his pro-farmer policies, reforms, and initiatives aimed at improving the conditions of farmers in rural India. His leadership focused on land reforms, agricultural productivity, and improving the lives of farmers, making him a beloved figure in India's agricultural history.

About Chaudhary Charan Singh

• Prime Minister of India: Chaudhary Charan Singh served as the Prime Minister of India from July 28, 1979, to January 14, 1980. Before this, he held various significant positions, including the Minister of Agriculture.
• Advocate for Agrarian Reforms: He played a key role in shaping policies that promoted land ownership among small farmers and fought against the exploitation of the farming community. His land reforms were aimed at creating a more equitable system of land distribution.
• Focus on Rural Development: He advocated for rural development, mechanization of agriculture, and fair pricing of agricultural produce to ensure that farmers received just compensation for their efforts.

Importance of National Farmers Day

1. Recognition of Farmers' Contribution: Farmers are the backbone of India's economy, and Kisan Diwas recognizes their relentless work. It is a day to appreciate their contribution to feeding the nation and supporting rural and national development.

2. Raising Awareness About Agricultural Challenges: The day is a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by farmers, such as fluctuating crop prices, inadequate infrastructure, climate change, and financial instability. It highlights the need for policy support and interventions to improve the farming community's livelihood.

3. Promotion of Sustainable Farming: Kisan Diwas promotes the importance of sustainable agricultural practices. Given the increasing threats posed by environmental changes, this day also serves to raise awareness about sustainable farming techniques and the need to protect natural resources.

4. Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide: National Farmers Day aims to create a sense of connection between the urban population and the rural farming community, encouraging people to understand the issues faced by farmers and the importance of agriculture in maintaining food security.

Celebrations and Activities

1. Farmers' Rallies and Meetings: Various state governments, agricultural organizations, and cooperatives organize farmers' rallies, seminars, and meetings to discuss key issues related to farming and agriculture. These events often focus on topics such as modern farming techniques, crop diversification, organic farming, and government policies.

2. Honoring Outstanding Farmers: In many regions, the government recognizes and honors progressive farmers who have made significant contributions to agricultural innovation, productivity, or sustainable practices. Awards are given to encourage other farmers to adopt best practices.

3. Workshops and Educational Programs: Agricultural departments and institutions often organize workshops, seminars, and training sessions for farmers to educate them on new farming technologies, government schemes, subsidies, and methods to improve crop yields.

4. Awareness Campaigns: Media campaigns and social media platforms highlight the importance of agriculture and the challenges faced by farmers. Documentaries, short films, and interviews with farmers are often broadcasted to bring attention to the farming community's struggles.

5. Government Initiatives: On National Farmers Day, the government often makes important announcements related to agriculture policies, subsidies, loan waivers, or new schemes aimed at benefiting farmers.

Key Issues Discussed on National Farmers Day

1. Minimum Support Price (MSP): One of the key discussions revolves around ensuring that farmers receive a fair price for their crops. The MSP mechanism guarantees farmers a minimum price for their produce, helping them avoid losses due to market fluctuations.

2. Agricultural Infrastructure: Improving rural infrastructure, including irrigation systems, storage facilities, and transportation, is a major focus. Better infrastructure helps reduce post-harvest losses and ensures that farmers can sell their produce efficiently.

3. Farmers' Income and Welfare: The economic well-being of farmers is a critical issue. Initiatives like PM-KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi) offer direct income support to farmers, aiming to ensure their financial stability.

4. Water Conservation and Irrigation: Water management and efficient irrigation systems are vital to ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. Discussions often focus on the need for better irrigation infrastructure and water conservation techniques to combat water scarcity.

5. Climate Change and Agriculture: With climate change becoming a growing concern, National Farmers Day addresses the impacts of erratic weather patterns on agriculture and the need for farmers to adopt climate-resilient farming practices.

6. Use of Technology in Agriculture: Promoting the use of modern technology, such as precision farming, drones, mobile applications, and AI, is emphasized to improve crop yields, optimize resource use, and reduce costs.

Government Schemes and Initiatives for Farmers

To support and uplift farmers, the Indian government has launched several schemes aimed at improving agricultural productivity, providing financial support, and ensuring the welfare of farmers. Some of the key schemes include:

1. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): A crop insurance scheme designed to protect farmers against crop loss due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases.

2. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN): Provides financial assistance of ₹6,000 per year to small and marginal farmers in three equal installments.

3. Soil Health Card Scheme: Aims to improve soil fertility and productivity by providing farmers with detailed information on soil nutrients and recommending suitable measures.

4. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Focuses on providing irrigation to every field and improving water-use efficiency.

5. Kisan Credit Card (KCC): Provides farmers with credit at subsidized interest rates for agricultural and allied activities.

Conclusion

National Farmers Day is a significant day that acknowledges the tireless efforts of farmers in India. It serves as a platform to highlight the challenges they face and the critical role they play in the nation's development. By celebrating this day, India reinforces its commitment to addressing the issues in the agricultural sector and ensuring that farmers receive the recognition, support, and resources they deserve.