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National Farmers’ Day serves as both a commemoration and a reminder of the importance of addressing farmers’ issues and improving their quality of life.
National Farmers’ Day 2024: Farmers are the nation’s backbone. (Image: Shutterstock)
National Farmers’ Day 2024: Every year on December 23, India observes National Farmers’ Day, or Kisan Diwas, to honour the nation’s backbone — its farmers. This day marks the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, India’s fifth Prime Minister, who advocated for the rights and welfare of the farming community.
As an agrarian economy, India relies heavily on its farmers, making them crucial to the country’s development and prosperity. National Farmers’ Day serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing farmers’ issues and improving their quality of life.
National Farmers’ Day 2024: Kisan Diwas History
Kisan Diwas was established to honour the life and achievements of Chaudhary Charan Singh, India’s fifth Prime Minister, who served from 1979 to 1980. During his tenure, he prioritised policies aimed at improving the lives of farmers, including land reforms and initiatives to boost agricultural productivity.
Due to his dedication to the welfare of the farming community, his birthday, December 23, was declared as National Farmers’ Day.
National Farmers’ Day 2024: Kisan Diwas Significance
Kisan Diwas highlights the crucial role farmers play in sustaining India’s economy, rural development and food security. The day serves as an opportunity to discuss key issues such as fair pricing, climate change adaptation, sustainable farming practices and access to modern technologies.
It also acts as a platform for raising awareness about government schemes and reforms to improve farmers’ lives.
National Farmers’ Day 2024: Kisan Diwas Facts
- India is a nation of agricultural abundance, with the majority of its rural population dependent on farming or agricultural-related work.
- Farmers are the backbone of society, working tirelessly to ensure that the nation remains nourished.
- Kisan Diwas is a day to better understand and appreciate the invaluable contribution of farmers to the nation.
National Farmers’ Day 2024: Kisan Diwas Celebration
On this day, events are organised across the country to introduce people to scientific and technological innovations in agriculture. These programmes also provide a platform to discuss the challenges faced by farmers and explore their needs and aspirations.
National Farmers’ Day 2024 : 5 Quotes By Chaudhary Charan Singh
Chaudhary Charan Singh (1902-1987) is often referred to as the “Champion of Farmers’ Rights.” Born into a middle-class peasant family in Noorpur, Uttar Pradesh, he pursued studies in physics, law and post-graduate courses at Agra University.
Charan Singh’s efforts to improve the lives of farmers were instrumental during his tenure as India’s Prime Minister from 1979 to 1980, where he passed several pieces of legislation and implemented measures aimed at safeguarding the interests of farmers.
He also authored many books on the upliftment of farmers, with notable titles such as Abolition of Zamindari, Co-operative Farming X, and Prevention of Division of Holdings Below a Certain Minimum.
Charan Singh popularised the iconic slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan,” originally introduced by India’s second Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri. Known for his dedication to improving the lives of farmers, Charan Singh played a big role in India’s land reforms and rural debt reduction initiatives.
Here are 5 of his quotes:
- The true India resides in its villages
- Have patience! In time, even grass becomes milk.
- Even for our enemies in misery, there should be tears in our eyes.
- A nation can prosper only when its rural sector is upgraded and its purchasing power is high.
- The farmer is the master of this country, but he has forgotten his power.
As we pay tribute to Chaudhary Charan Singh’s legacy, we must commit to supporting the farming community to ensure their sustainability and well-being in the face of contemporary challenges. Let Kisan Diwas remind us of the timeless value of agriculture and the collective responsibility to preserve it.
