Today, December 23, India celebrates Kisan Diwas, or National Farmer’s Day, to honor the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, the country’s fifth Prime Minister and a staunch advocate for farmers. The day serves as a reminder of the crucial role farmers play in the Indian economy and expresses gratitude for their hard work.
Chaudhary Charan Singh, often remembered as the “Champion of Farmers,” implemented significant reforms during his 1979-1980 tenure as Prime Minister. His efforts included the Debt Redemption Bill of 1939, which provided relief to farmers burdened by exploitative moneylenders. Singh also played a key role in promoting agricultural self-reliance in India. His contributions to land reforms in Uttar Pradesh had a transformative impact on the state’s agricultural landscape. New Delhi’s memorial honors his legacy as Kishan Ghat.
The Government of India designated December 23 as Kisan Diwas in 2001 to commemorate Singh’s dedication to the upliftment of farmers. The day highlights his vision for farmer welfare and underscores the importance of agriculture in national growth.
This year’s Kisan Diwas theme, “Empowering ‘Annadatas’ for a Prosperous Nation,” emphasizes the need to provide farmers with resources and opportunities for sustainable agricultural growth and national prosperity. The day also serves as a platform to discuss critical issues impacting farmers, such as fair pricing, climate resilience, sustainable farming practices, and access to modern agricultural technologies.