Chaudhary Charan Singh, birth anniversary of former Prime Minister of India, is celebrated National Farmers’ Day, also known as ‘Kisan Diwas’, every year on December 23. Singh worked tirelessly for the welfare of farmers, focusing on the exploitation of the deprived and neglected. In his tribute to Singh, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his gratitude and best wishes for all on ‘Farmer’s Day’. Singh’s hard work and dedication to the welfare of farmers are deeply rooted in his legacy.
Chaudhary Charan Singh is known as the “champion of India’s peasants” for his significant contributions to the agrarian economy. since 2001, a day dedicated to the upliftment of Indian farmers, leading to the significant development of the agricultural sector. A member of the peasant family from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, Chaudhary Charan Singh was instrumental in the nation’s liberation movement.
The history of National farmers day
This day is particularly significant since it marks the birth anniversary of the former Indian Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh (1979–1980). Singh introduced several welfare programs aimed at enhancing farmers’ well-being and empowering them during his brief term in government. In 2001, the Indian government formally designated December 23 as National Farmer’s Day in honor of Singh, recognizing his extraordinary rise from rural farming to becoming the country’s leader.
The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of how important farmers are to the socioeconomic advancement of the country. The day is enthusiastically celebrated in states where agriculture plays a major role, such as Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh.
Numerous awareness activities and efforts are held on this day to inform the public about the importance of farmers to the Indian economy. His Debt Redemption Bill, which he presented in 1939, released farmers from the grip of moneylenders. He also authored other publications on land reform and the elimination of zamindari. The Kisan Trust was founded by Charan Singh in 1978. The organization was non-political and non-profit to bring awareness of injustice to the rural populace and encourage unity among them.
The significance of National Farmers Day
National Farmer’s Day events give farmers a forum to talk about their needs and objectives. This is particularly critical since farmers often experience cycles of crisis that push them to the brink of suicide.
On this special occasion, we express our gratitude to our farmers—the true unsung heroes of our nation’s development. Popular across all of India’s farming and agricultural states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh, National Farmers’ Day is also known as Rashtriya Kisan Diwas. In various regions of the world, Farmers’ Day is also commemorated. In Ghana, it is honored on the first Friday in December; in the United States, it is marked on October 12; in Zambia, it is observed on the first Monday in August; and in Pakistan, celebrations began on December 18, 2019.
Shaping the Future: Agricultural Innovation and Sustainability
The theme for this year’s Kisan Diwas speaks about the dynamic nature of agriculture. It demands acknowledging the critical role that sustainability and innovation play in guaranteeing food security for coming generations. Farmers are the caretakers of our land, and their decisions affect not just their means of subsistence but also the condition of our world. Examples of these decisions include using eco-friendly fertilizers and implementing water-saving measures.
However, In 2050, the world needs to sustain nine billion people, requiring a 70% increase in food production. Climate change strains natural resources, increasing vulnerability in the agricultural sector. The sustainability of global food production depends on innovation and climate resilience. Smallholder farmers often lack access to technology, timely information, insurance products, and finance. In 2018, Agri-food Tech startups attracted USD 16.9 billion in venture capital investments, a 43% year-over-year increase. Agri-food Tech startups are crucial for providing affordable production technology, timely information, and risk mitigation products to help these farmers thrive.
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