National Farmers' Day in India: 23rd December

National Farmers' Day in India: Honoring the Backbone of the Nation

National Farmers' Day, or Kisan Diwas, is celebrated annually on December 23rd in India to honor the immense contributions of farmers to the nation’s economy and society. The day also marks the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, India’s fifth Prime Minister, who dedicated his life to improving the welfare of farmers and advocating for their rights.

Farmers' Day

Why is National Farmers' Day Celebrated?

Farmers are the backbone of India, a nation with a predominantly agrarian economy. National Farmers' Day is an opportunity to recognize their critical role in ensuring food security and sustaining rural livelihoods. The day also raises awareness about the challenges farmers face, such as access to fair pricing, climate change, and modern farming technologies. It aims to inspire discussions on policies and practices that can improve their lives and boost agricultural growth.[You can also read International Human solidarity Day and World Meditation day]

Who was Chaudhary Charan Singh?

Born on December 23, 1902, in Noorpur, Uttar Pradesh, Chaudhary Charan Singh was a freedom fighter, visionary leader, and advocate for farmers' rights. He served as the fifth Prime Minister of India (1979-1980), and his policies laid the foundation for agricultural reforms in the country. He is often referred to as the "Champion of Farmers" for his tireless efforts to uplift the rural and agricultural sectors.

Key Contributions:

1.     Land Reforms:

o    Advocated for the Uttar Pradesh Zamindari Abolition Act of 1952, which ended the exploitative zamindari system and empowered tenants.

o    Championed the Consolidation of Holdings Act (1953) to address fragmented landholdings, making farming more efficient.

2.     Farmer Debt Relief:

o    Introduced the Debt Redemption Bill (1939) to relieve farmers of burdensome debts from moneylenders.

3.     Market Access:

o    Proposed the Agricultural Produce Marketing Bill (1938) to ensure fair pricing for farmers and better market infrastructure.

4.     Minimum Support Price (MSP):

o    Advocated for higher procurement prices during the drought of 1966-67, paving the way for the MSP system that protects farmers’ incomes today.

5.     Rural Development:

o    Elevated the Rural Development Department to a full-fledged ministry and was instrumental in establishing NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development).

Legacy:

Chaudhary Charan Singh’s contributions extend beyond agriculture to promoting social justice, grassroots governance, and rural economic empowerment. His memorial, Kisan Ghat, in New Delhi, stands as a tribute to his legacy.

Celebrations of National Farmers' Day

National Farmers' Day is celebrated across India, especially in agricultural hubs like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh. On this day, various activities and programs are organized:

·         Workshops and Seminars: Farmers learn about modern agricultural techniques, sustainable practices, and government schemes aimed at improving their welfare.

·         Discussions: Policymakers and experts discuss ways to tackle pressing issues such as fair pricing, climate resilience, and access to advanced farming tools.

·         Tributes: People pay homage to Chaudhary Charan Singh for his enduring contributions to agriculture and rural development.

Kisan Diwas 2024: "Empowering Annadatas for a Prosperous Nation"

The theme for Kisan Diwas 2024 is "Empowering Annadatas for a Prosperous Nation." This theme emphasizes providing farmers with the resources and opportunities they need for sustainable growth, ensuring they can continue to feed the nation while improving their own livelihoods.

Challenges Faced by Farmers

Despite their critical role, Indian farmers continue to face numerous challenges:

·         Fair Pricing: Ensuring farmers receive a fair price for their produce remains a pressing issue.

·         Climate Change: Erratic weather patterns and natural disasters affect crop yields.

·         Technology Access: Limited access to modern farming technologies and infrastructure hinders productivity.

·         Debt: High-interest loans and financial instability continue to burden small and marginal farmers.

Government Initiatives for Farmers

Over the years, the Indian government has launched several programs to support farmers:

·         PM-Kisan Scheme: Direct income support to small and marginal farmers.

·         Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Crop insurance to protect farmers against losses.

·         Soil Health Cards: Promoting soil testing for better crop yields.

·         E-NAM: A digital platform for transparent agricultural marketing.

National Farmers' Day is not just a celebration but also a call to action. It reminds us of the vital role farmers play in building the nation and the need to address their challenges. By empowering farmers with resources, technology, and fair policies, India can pave the way for a prosperous and sustainable future. This Kisan Diwas, let’s commit to supporting the farmers who tirelessly work to feed the nation and sustain its economy.