The National Farmers’ Day, known as Kisan Diwas, is celebrated annually on December 23 in India.
It is celebrated to honour the contributions of farmers to the nation and to commemorate the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, the fifth Prime Minister of India and a prominent advocate for farmers’ rights.
Each year, Kisan Diwas is marked by various activities, including discussions on agricultural policies, workshops, and campaigns aimed at educating farmers about modern techniques and government schemes designed to support them.
The theme for 2024 is “Empowering ‘Annadatas’ for a Prosperous Nation,” highlighting the importance of providing resources and opportunities for sustainable agricultural growth.
- Land Reforms: Singh was a strong advocate for land reforms, notably the Uttar Pradesh Zamindari Abolition Act of 1952, which abolished the zamindari system, empowering tenants and ensuring land ownership for tillers. This was part of his broader vision to address unequal land distribution in rural areas.
- Consolidation of Holdings Act (1953): This legislation aimed to consolidate fragmented landholdings, making farming more efficient and sustainable by allowing farmers to cultivate larger, more manageable plots of land.
- Debt Redemption Bill (1939): Singh introduced this bill to alleviate the burden of debt on farmers, providing them with relief from high-interest loans and enabling them to regain financial stability.
- Agricultural Produce Marketing Bill (1938): Although passed later in 1964, this bill aimed to improve market linkages for farmers, ensuring they received fair prices for their produce by regulating market practices.
- Support Prices: During the drought of 1966-67, Singh advocated for higher procurement prices for agricultural products, establishing a precedent that eventually led to the implementation of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism, which helps protect farmers’ incomes.
- Promotion of Cooperative Farming: Singh emphasised cooperative farming as a means to empower small farmers and increase agricultural productivity, fostering a spirit of collaboration among local farmers.
- Rural Development Initiatives: His policies focused on overall rural development, including infrastructure improvements and access to credit facilities, which were essential for enhancing agricultural productivity and farmer welfare.
- Advocacy for Small Farmers: Throughout his political career, Singh championed the rights of small and marginal farmers, emphasising their importance in India’s agrarian economy and advocating policies that prioritised their needs over those of large landowners.
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Celebrating Farmers: Significance of Kisan Diwas in 2024
Kisan Diwas, or National Farmers’ Day, is celebrated annually on December 23 to honour the contributions of farmers to India’s economy and to commemorate the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, the fifth Prime Minister of India.
This day serves as a reminder of the vital role farmers play in sustaining the nation and highlights the ongoing challenges they face.
Established in 2001, Kisan Diwas emphasises the need for addressing farmers’ issues, improving their quality of life, and recognising their importance as the backbone of the agrarian economy.
In 2024, the theme for Kisan Diwas is “Empowering ‘Annadatas’ for a Prosperous Nation,” focusing on providing farmers with resources and opportunities for sustainable agricultural growth.
The day provides a platform for discussing critical issues such as fair pricing, climate resilience, sustainable farming practices, and access to modern agricultural technologies.
It also raises awareness about government initiatives aimed at enhancing farmers’ livelihoods, reinforcing the commitment to support those who play a crucial role in food security and rural development.
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7 lesser-known facts about Chaudhary Charan Singh’s life
Chaudhary Charan Singh, a prominent Indian politician and the fifth Prime Minister, is celebrated for his dedication to farmers’ rights. Here are some lesser-known facts about his life:
- First PM Without Parliament Experience: He remains the only Indian Prime Minister who never faced Parliament during his tenure from July 1979 to January 1980.
- Political Turmoil: His time in office coincided with a period of significant political turmoil in India, as the country was recovering from the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi.
- Imprisonment for Activism: Charan Singh was imprisoned multiple times for his activism against British colonial rule, including a six-month sentence for breaking the salt law in 1930 and another year in 1940 for participating in the Quit India Movement.
- Support for Khadi: He was known for wearing hand-woven Khadi clothes, reflecting his commitment to rural employment and support for small-scale industries.
- Land Reforms Advocate: Singh played a crucial role in land reforms, notably the Zamindari Abolition Act, which aimed to empower landless farmers and improve their socio-economic status.
- Author: He authored several influential books on economic policy, including “India’s Economic Policy – The Gandhian Blueprint” and “Economic Nightmare of India – Its Cause and Cure,” showcasing his deep understanding of agricultural economics.
- Kisan Ghat Memorial: After his death on May 29, 1987, a memorial named Kisan Ghat was established in New Delhi to honour his lifelong dedication to farmers.
Hon’ble Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar paid floral tribute to former Prime Minister, Chaudhary Charan Singh ji on his birth anniversary at Kisan Ghat in New Delhi today. #ChaudharyCharanSingh @jayantrld pic.twitter.com/ZGfdzRrFRK
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) December 23, 2024
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