23rd December - Kisan Diwas also known as National Farmers' Day

Kisan Diwas, or National Farmers' Day, is indeed celebrated on December 23rd in honor of Chaudhary Charan Singh, who was not only the 5th Prime Minister of India but also a dedicated leader and advocate for the rights and welfare of farmers. This day is an opportunity to remember his contributions and to acknowledge the vital role played by farmers in the country's development. It serves as a reminder to address the challenges faced by farmers and to work towards creating policies that support and uplift the agricultural community.

This day is dedicated to acknowledging and appreciating the significant contributions of farmers to the nation's economy. It also serves as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges and issues faced by farmers, ranging from agricultural practices and land-related concerns to economic and social aspects. The goal is to promote understanding, support, and initiatives that can improve the lives of farmers and contribute to the overall development of the agricultural sector in the country.

The celebration of Kisan Diwas, or National Farmers' Day, began on December 23, 2001, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh. Chaudhary Charan Singh was a strong advocate for farmers' rights and rural development. The day was established to honor his contributions and to draw attention to the issues faced by farmers in India.

Since its inception in 2001, Kisan Diwas has been observed annually on December 23rd to celebrate the legacy of Chaudhary Charan Singh and to highlight the importance of the farming community in the country. It provides a platform for discussions, events, and initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges faced by farmers and promoting agricultural welfare and development.

On Kisan Diwas, various events and programs are organized across the country to honor farmers and raise awareness about their significant contributions to the nation. These events may include seminars, workshops, agricultural exhibitions, cultural programs, and discussions on topics related to farming and rural development. The aim is to highlight the challenges faced by farmers, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and emphasize the crucial role that the farming community plays in ensuring food security and contributing to the overall economic well-being of the nation. It's a day to express gratitude to farmers and to focus on initiatives that support and uplift the agricultural sector.

Kisan Diwas is indeed celebrated to recognize the vital role that farmers play in ensuring food security and contributing to the nation's overall development. It serves as a platform to highlight the challenges faced by farmers, including issues related to agriculture, land, and socio-economic factors. Additionally, Kisan Diwas aims to promote sustainable and innovative agricultural practices that can enhance productivity and improve the livelihoods of farmers. By focusing on the agricultural sector, this observance contributes to the holistic development of the nation.

Some key government initiatives that are aimed at improving the lives of farmers in India. Here's a brief overview of each:

• PM-KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi): This initiative was launched to provide direct income support to small and marginal farmers. Under PM-KISAN, eligible farmers receive financial assistance of Rs. 6,000 per year in three equal installments. The funds are transferred directly to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries, providing them with crucial financial support.

• Kisan Credit Card (KCC): The Kisan Credit Card scheme is designed to provide farmers with timely access to credit for their agricultural and related needs. Farmers with a Kisan Credit Card can avail credit facilities for the purchase of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other inputs, as well as for meeting other agricultural expenses. It helps in reducing the dependency of farmers on informal credit sources.

• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): This scheme is an agricultural insurance scheme that provides financial support to farmers in case of crop failure or damage due to unforeseen events such as natural disasters, pests, or diseases. It aims to mitigate the financial risks associated with farming and encourage farmers to adopt modern agricultural practices without the fear of losing their crops.

These initiatives collectively address different aspects of the challenges faced by farmers, providing them with financial support, credit facilities, and insurance coverage to enhance their overall well-being and improve agricultural productivity.

The theme for the 2023 National Farmers' Day- "Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience,". It reflects an emphasis on leveraging smart and innovative solutions to ensure sustainable agricultural practices, enhance food security, and build resilience in the face of various challenges. These may include the use of technology, precision farming, conservation practices, and other strategies to make agriculture more efficient and environmentally sustainable. It also underscores the importance of addressing long-term resilience in the agricultural sector.

Chaudhary Charan Singh was a prominent political leader in India, and his legacy is closely associated with his tireless efforts to empower farmers and champion their cause. Some key aspects of his legacy include:

• Empowering Farmers: Chaudhary Charan Singh was a staunch advocate for the rights and well-being of farmers. He worked towards empowering farmers economically and socially, aiming to improve their living standards and overall quality of life.

• Pro-Farmer Policies: As a political leader and the Prime Minister of India, Chaudhary Charan Singh implemented several pro-farmer policies. These policies were designed to address the challenges faced by farmers, provide them with better access to resources, and support sustainable agricultural practices.

• Advocacy for Agrarian Reforms: Chaudhary Charan Singh was a vocal proponent of agrarian reforms aimed at improving the agrarian structure in India. His advocacy included efforts to ensure fair distribution of land, prevent the exploitation of farmers, and promote equitable opportunities in rural areas.

His tenure as the Prime Minister (1979-1980) was marked by a commitment to the welfare of farmers and the rural community. Chaudhary Charan Singh remains an iconic figure in Indian politics, particularly for his dedication to addressing the needs of the agricultural sector and advocating for the rights of farmers.

The efforts of farmers are crucial, as they play a vital role in sustaining our communities and providing the food that nourishes us all. Wishing them a prosperous and fulfilling journey ahead adds a positive and optimistic note, recognizing the challenges they face and hoping for continued success in their endeavors. It's a thoughtful and commendable sentiment.