Every year on December 23, India celebrates the Kisan Diwas to honor the producers of the country. India is still an agrarian economy, where the farmers contribute significantly to the growth and development of the nation. Farmers ensure food security and sustain rural economies.

Chaudhary Charan Singh’s lasting legacy

Established in the year 2001, the day also honors the efforts of then Prime minister of India, Chaudhary Charan Singh who addressed the issues faced by farmers in the frontline. He was born into a middle class family of peasants in Noorpur, Uttar Pradesh. In 1923, he graduated in Physics and in 1925, he finished his post-graduation from Agra University.

Kisan Diwas is a recognition of the unwavering dedicated support of Chaudhary Charan Singh towards the farmers. The 5^th Prime minister of India in 1979-80 advocated for farmers and their rights in his lifetime. He was a true patriot, statesman and an administrator and a man of high integrity. He laid the foundation for agricultural development in India, with policies entrusted to work on agricultural reforms, rural development and farmers’ welfare.

Even today, the policies and reforms are similar to the vision of the farmers’ leader, who was often known as the ‘Champion of farmers’ rights’. He fought for the farmers deserving a fair price for their produce and the upliftment of the rural communities through debt reduction, laying emphasis on sustainable farming and a rural based economy.

Chaudhary Charan Singh also authored many books dedicated to farmers and their upliftment, such as Abolition of Zamindari, Cooperative farming X, and prevention of division of holdings below a certain minimum.

The most astonishing contributions were:

Uttar Pradesh Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act (1950) – The act entitled to release the land from zamindars to the tillers.

The consolidation of the Holdings Act of 1953 – It was aimed to prevent the fragmentation of agricultural lands.

A vital role in the formulation and finalization of the Debt redemption bill (1939)- It gave relief to the debt ridden farmers of rural India.

The land holding act (1960) – To lower the ceiling on land holdings for a fair distribution of land and addressing the issue of the gap in land ownership.

Chaudhary Charan Singh was also honored posthumously this year on 30^th March with the Bharat Ratna for his lifelong contributions and determined service in the agricultural sector.

The significance of National farmers’ day

To acknowledge and appreciate the farmers’ contribution- The tireless and never ending work of the farmers is appreciated and acknowledged today. The persistent hard work and resilience is celebrated as a day of gratitude.

Encouraging Agricultural innovation-

Programs and workshops are conducted by the Government and various agricultural institutions that promote new agricultural practices like sustainable farming, that give higher crop yields and are progressive in nature.

Improvement in their condition-

The Government launches various schemes and policies that improves the conditions of the farmers and reduce the challenges faced by them. Introducing subsidies and crop insurance schemes. The seminars and conferences are held to discuss about the situation of farmers.

Key Government schemes for the farmers-

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) – Launched in 2019, the scheme aims to supplement the financial needs of farmers. The farmers’ families are offered Rs.6000 through the Direct Bank transfer (DBT).

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) – Under the scheme, farmers are ensured risk coverage against damage caused by nature by providing an affordable crop insurance to them.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Mandhan Yojana (PMKMY) – Since 2019, the scheme provides social security to all landholding farmers (small and marginal).

Others include:

Agriculture Infrastructure fund (AIF)

Modified Interest Subvention scheme (MISS)

Namo Drone Didi scheme

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana

Celebrations on Farmers day

A number of events and activities are organized on the eve of farmers’ day. These include:

Recognition of the farmers who have made contributions towards agricultural innovation and the community development.

The Government introduces new initiatives and schemes for the development of farmers and the rural community.

Discussions held in seminars and conferences about the challenges faced by farmers and the solutions for the improvements.

In states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab, local fairs and festivals are organized to celebrate the agricultural heritage of India.

The efforts of Chaudhary Charan Singh shall never go in vain. And the farmers of the nation shall live a life of respect and dignity that is not burdened with debts and sufferings. And we shall never forget that, “The true India resides in its villages.” Let the villages prosper and India shall prosper with it. Agriculture is fundamental to India’s economy and a priority too, without which the growth and development of the nation is not possible.