National Farmers Day 2024, History, Significance, Theme

Farmers’ Day also known to be Kisan Diwas, is observed on 23 December every year. The day celebrates the contributions of farmers and celebrates the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, the fifth Prime Minister of India. Known as the “Champion of India’s Farmers”, Chaudhary Charan Singh addressed the welfare rights of Indian Farmers significantly impacting the nation’s agricultural policies. Farmers Day 2024 recognises the important role of farmers in maintaining the Indian Economy and promoting awareness about their contributions and problems faced by them. 

National Farmers Day Overview

National Farmers Day being observed on 23 December 2024, aims to spread awareness about the contributions of farmers and also honors the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh. The day will focus on bringing attention to people about the important role of agriculture in Indian economy and also the farmer-centric policies and sustainable agriculture practices. 

Farmer’s Day History 

Farmer’s Day was celebrated for the first time in 2001 as an initiative taken up by the Government of India as an honor to Chaudhary Charan Sign, who played an important role in framing the government policies related to agriculture and empowering farmers. Chaudhary Charan Singh is known to have introduced several policies that addressed rural India’s challenges and the ways to adopt to improve farmer’s lives and ensure the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices. This way he wanted to foster a self-reliant agrarian economy. 

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National Farmers Day Importance

Farmer’s Day is celebrated as a significant contribution of farmers in providing food to the nation and sustainably balancing the economy. The day significantly highlights the following: 

• The significance of agricultural practices in contributing to India’s GDP and employment. 
• The need of policies in promoting farmers’ welfare and sustainable farming practices.
• Highlighting the issues like climate change, financial constraints and adoption of technology in agriculture. 

Chaudhary Charan Singh

Chaudhary Charan Singh (1902–1987), widely recognized as the Champion of Farmers’ Rights, was a distinguished Indian leader dedicated to improving the lives of farmers and rural communities. Born into a middle-class peasant family in Noorpur, Meerut district, Uttar Pradesh, he excelled academically, earning degrees in science, law, and post-graduation from Agra University.

Early Life & Education

• Graduated in science (1923) and completed post-graduation (1925) from Agra University.
• Trained as a lawyer, practicing in Ghaziabad before moving to Meerut in 1929.

Political Career

• First elected to the U.P. Legislative Assembly in 1937 from Chhaprauli constituency, representing it in multiple terms (1946, 1952, 1962, and 1967).
• Served as Parliamentary Secretary under Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant, contributing to departments like Revenue, Medical, Public Health, and Justice.
• Held key ministerial roles in Uttar Pradesh, including Revenue, Agriculture, Home, and Transport.
• As Chief Minister, he introduced the Land Holding Act of 1960, standardizing land ceiling limits for equitable land distribution.

Key Contributions

• Land Reforms: Championed fair agricultural land distribution, transforming rural economies.
• Debt Redemption Bill (1939): Alleviated rural farmers’ financial burdens through innovative policies.
• Advocated anti-corruption measures and administrative efficiency, earning a reputation for his uncompromising work ethic.

Legacy

• Revered as a “Kisan Leader” for his relentless dedication to farmers’ welfare.
• His birth anniversary, celebrated as Kisan Diwas, honors his lasting contributions to Indian agriculture and rural development.
• Remembered as a gifted parliamentarian, a hard taskmaster, and a visionary leader committed to justice and equality for rural India.

Farmers’ Day Celebrations

Farmers’ Day is celebrated throughout India by organising events and initiatives that spread awareness about farmers’ welfare and agricultural advancements. Following are the ways Kisan Diwas is celebrated: 

• Agricultural challenges and policy discussions are conducted through seminars and workshops. 
• Farmers are awarded throughout India for their exceptional contributions in the field of agriculture. 
• Workshops are conducted to educate farmers about modern farming practices and government schemes and policies. 
• Birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh is celebrated by honoring his achievements through speeches and performances.