National Farmer’s Day

India is predominantly an agricultural country and agriculture is the main source of income as a backbone for India's economic development. In India, more than 80% of the rural population of India contributes 14-15% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). National Farmers Day or the Kisan Divas is celebrated each year in India on 23rd December to pay respect to the farmers of the country, as 23rd December is marked as the anniversary of farmer's leader Chaudhary Charan Singh. It is celebrated in those states which are actively engaged in farming such as Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and others.

 In this article further, we are going to read about the national Farmers Day and why it is celebrated, what are its significance to excel the general knowledge section for any competitive exam. You will find questions related to this article in almost every general awareness section of exams like UPSC- prelims, SSC, Railway, Banking and etc. 

About National Farmer's Day 

Every year, 23rd December is celebrated as National Farmers' Day/Kisan Diwas in India to reward and promote the contribution of farmers to our land. India is predominantly an agricultural country. Agriculture and its allied activities are the main sources of income for more than 80% of the rural population of India, contributing approximately 14-15% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 

Why is National Farmer's Day Celebrated? 

December 23rd was chosen for celebrating Farmers Day to honour the birth anniversary of the fifth Prime Minister of India, Chaudhary Charan Singh who was born on the same day (23rd December). He is known as the Kisan leader and followed the slogan of the 2nd Prime Minister of India, Lal Bahadur Shashtri "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan" from pre- Independence to the post Independence era. He played an important role in the Agricultural Sector of India by drafting and enacting various Bills of farmer's reforms. This day is celebrated as the Farmer's Day to promote awareness among the citizens of the country to understand the importance of the contributions by the farmers in the society for overall economic and social development of the country. The motive behind the celebration of Farmer's Day is to encourage the farmers across the country by organizing various activities for Farmers where the winners are rewarded with different prizes.

About National Farmers’ Day 

 National Farmers' Day is also known as Kisan Divas. 

 The National Farmers' Day is celebrated in honour of India’s former Prime Minister Late Shri Chaudhary Charan Singh. 

 It is celebrated every year since 2001 on 23rd December marking the birth anniversary of Shri Chaudhary Charan Singh 

 It is believed that Shri Chaudhary Charan Singh played a pivotal role in passing the ‘Zamindari Abolition Bill-1952’. 

 The government organizes many programs and debates, seminars on agriculture on this day. About Chaudhary Charan Singh 

 Shri Chaudhary Charan Singh held office as the Prime Minister of India from 28th July 1979 to 14th January 1980. 

 Chaudhary Charan Singh was born on December 23, 1902, in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh.  He was the 5th Prime Minister of the country. 

 He was known as the leader of Indian farmers. 

 He believed that casteism was the root cause of slavery and that a country cannot achieve equality and prosperity with the prevalence of caste system. 

 He pioneered in framing some of the most crucial policies needed to improve the condition of farmers during his tenure. 

 Chaudhary Charan Singh became the first non-congress CM of UP and Prime Minister in 1979. 

 He has written many books during his life span. His most notable works include; ‘The Abolition of Zamindari, Two Alternatives’, ‘India's Poverty and Its Solution’ etc. 

 Chaudhary Charan Singh passed away on 29th May 1987. His memorial is located in New Delhi is known as the Kisan Ghat. 

The lifework of Shri Chaudhary Charan Singh 

 He presented the Budget of 1979 which was amalgamated to accomplish the needs of the farmers and had included several policies for the betterment of the farmers. 

 The policies helped in boosting the morale of the farmers throughout the nation. 

 He introduced an Agricultural Produce Market Bill in the Assembly in 1938. The Bill intended to safeguard the interests of the farmers against the greed of the traders. 

 He introduced the Zamindari Abolition Act. 

 He passed away on 29th May 1987 and his memorial is located in New Delhi known as the Kisan Ghat. 

Farmers play a vital role in the economic development of the country, as more than 40% of the total employment in India is employed in the Agricultural Sector as per the 2017 World Bank report. India has generated the highest employment since 1947 in the agricultural sector. And because of this, it becomes very important for us to understand the importance of this day.

 How is National Farmers' Day celebrated?

  The National Farmers' Day is celebrated by providing information that would be beneficial to the occupation of farming. The officials of the agricultural community guide educate the farmers about the latest technologies available, use of fertilizers, precautions to be taken while using chemical fertilizers and insecticides, availability of loans, etc. 

 The officials suggest possible ideas and tricks to the farmers and hence attending these programs are highly beneficial to the farmers. 

 The states of India which are rich in agriculture such as Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and various other states are taking ideas from Uttar Pradesh for celebrating Kisan Diwas. This is because Uttar Pradesh has the highest population in the country and most of its people are engaged in farming and allied activities. 

National Farmer's Day in 2020

 The farmer’s day is celebrated by providing information that would be beneficial to the occupation of farming. The farmers are guided by the officials of the agricultural community about the latest technologies available, the use of fertilizer, what are the precautions that need to be taken while using the chemical fertilizers and insecticides, loans, etc. 

 The officials organize several programs for the farmers which are highly beneficial to them because they suggest new ideas and tricks related to the agriculture field. 

 Every state in India such as Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh takes ideas from Uttar Pradesh for celebrating Kisan Diwas because UP has the highest population in the country and many of them are engaged in farming. 

 It is to be noted that in spite of these efforts, there has been a substantial increase in the suicide rate among farmers. This is because of lack of education and unforeseen climatic challenges faced by the farmers, topped with the burden of loans acquired from Banks, financial institutions and ever exploiting money lenders. There is an urgent need to tackle this issue at a priority as farming has been the backbone of the country’s economy.