National Farmers’ Day: Honoring India’s Backbone of Agriculture

National Farmers’ Day, also known as Kisan Diwas, is celebrated annually on December 23 in India. This significant observance commemorates the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, the fifth Prime Minister of India (1979-1980), renowned as the “Champion of Farmers.” First marked in 2001 by the Government of India, the day honors the tireless contributions of farmers who form the bedrock of the nation’s economy, ensuring food security and rural prosperity.​

Historical Significance and Chaudhary Charan Singh’s Legacy

Chaudhary Charan Singh (1902-1987), born on December 23, was a visionary leader from Uttar Pradesh who dedicated his life to agrarian reforms. As a freedom fighter, lawyer, and politician, he championed land redistribution, fair pricing for crops, and debt relief for farmers. His seminal book India’s Economic Policy and Development advocated cooperative farming and rural self-reliance.

Key policies under his influence included abolishing zamindari (landlordism), promoting cooperative societies, and establishing minimum support prices (MSP). During his brief premiership, he prioritized irrigation, rural electrification, and small farmer welfare. Declaring December 23 as Kisan Diwas immortalizes his vision: “The prosperity of India lies in the prosperity of its villages and farmers”.​

Why Celebrate National Farmers’ Day?

Agriculture employs 45% of India’s workforce and contributes 18-20% to GDP, yet farmers face mounting challenges. Kisan Diwas highlights:

• Food Security: India, the world’s largest rice and wheat producer, feeds 1.4 billion people.
• Economic Backbone: Rural remittances and agro-exports ($50B+ annually) drive growth.
• Current Struggles: Climate change, debt (farmer suicides: 10,000+ yearly), low MSP realization, and market volatility.

The day spotlights issues like crop diversification, technology adoption (drones, AI), and schemes like PM-KISAN (₹6,000/year to 11 crore farmers).

Nationwide Celebrations and Activities

Observances span seminars, fairs, and tributes:

• Government Events: PM addresses Kisan Samman Nidhi; awards like Chaudhary Charan Singh National Agriculture Award presented.
• Rural Programs: Seed distribution, soil testing camps, farmer workshops on organic farming.
• Educational Initiatives: Schools host essay contests, farm visits; TV/radio air farmer success stories.
• State Variations: Punjab celebrates with kisan melas; Maharashtra honors local heroes.

In 2025, themes emphasize “Sustainable Agriculture for Viksit Bharat,” focusing on climate-resilient crops and digital tools like e-NAM markets.

Chaudhary Charan Singh’s Enduring Impact

Singh’s reforms laid groundwork for Green Revolution extensions and modern policies:

• Land Reforms: Redistributed 20M+ acres to tillers.
• Cooperative Movement: Boosted rural credit access.
• Awards and Honors: Bharat Ratna (posthumous, 2024); airports, universities named after him.

His daughter-in-law, Rajendra Singh, upholds legacy via Charan Singh University.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite progress, farmers grapple with:

• Climate Volatility: Erratic monsoons, floods affect 60% rain-fed farms.
• Market Gaps: Middlemen capture 40% profits; FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations) emerging solutions.
• Youth Exodus: Aging farmers (average age 50); agri-startups lure millennials.

Government pushes: 100 “Amrit Bharat Krishi Swaasthya Kendras,” nano-urea, and crop insurance (PMFBY covers 5 crore farmers).

Global Context and Inspirations

India joins nations like USA (National Agriculture Day, March 20) and Nepal (Shri Panchami). Parallels with leaders like Norman Borlaug underscore farmer-centric development.

Ways to Celebrate and Support

• Personal Actions: Buy local produce, reduce food waste, support FPOs via apps.
• Community: Organize kisan sammelans, donate seeds/tools.
• Advocacy: Demand better MSP, water management.

Conclusion

National Farmers’ Day transcends commemoration—it’s a call to action. Chaudhary Charan Singh’s vision reminds us: “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.” In 2025, as India eyes $1 trillion agri-economy, empowering farmers through technology, fair prices, and sustainability ensures food sovereignty. Let December 23 inspire gratitude and resolve: India’s growth sprouts from its soil, nurtured by those who till it.