NEW DELHI: Every year on December 23, India celebrates Kisan Diwas, or National Farmerโs Day, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, the nationโs fifth Prime Minister and a fierce advocate for farmers.
This day honors the pivotal role that farmers play in the countryโs economy and highlights their struggles and contributions.
Chaudhary Charan Singh, known as the โChampion of Farmers,โ dedicated much of his political career to improving the lives of rural farmers. During his tenure as Prime Minister from 1979 to 1980, he introduced several reforms aimed at empowering farmers.
READ ALSO: Celebrating legacy of Srinivasa Ramanujan on National Mathematics Day
Notably, his Debt Redemption Bill of 1939 freed farmers from the clutches of exploitative moneylenders, offering them much-needed financial relief.
Singhโs land reforms in Uttar Pradesh, his home state, transformed agriculture, ensuring that the benefits of land ownership reached the farmers. His efforts to implement agricultural self-reliance policies helped shape the future of farming in India.
In 2001, the Government of India officially declared December 23 as Kisan Diwas to honor his contributions to the agricultural sector. The day serves as a reminder of the continuous challenges faced by farmers and the importance of addressing their needs in a rapidly changing world.
Dr. Amanpreet Singh Sran, Faculty of Agriculture at Guru Kashi University in Bathinda, urges the youth to view agriculture not just as a tradition but as a thriving, sustainable career. He emphasizes the importance of diversification in farming practices.
โExplore alternative farming ventures like saffron farming, pearl farming, and mushroom farming. These unique ventures offer immense potential and can contribute significantly to a prosperous economy and a stronger nation,โ he said.
READ ALSO: Ayushman Bharatโs impact on cancer treatment in India
The theme for 2024, โEmpowering โAnnadatasโ for a Prosperous Nation,โ underscores the importance of providing farmers with resources, knowledge, and opportunities to ensure sustainable agricultural growth and national prosperity.
Kisan Diwas is not only a tribute to Chaudhary Charan Singhโs legacy but also a platform to discuss the pressing issues facing farmers today. From fair pricing and climate resilience to the adoption of sustainable farming practices and access to modern agricultural technologies, this day brings critical issues into focus.
