Kisan Diwas 2021: All you need to know about National Farmers Day

Kisan Diwas or National Farmers’ Day is
celebrated every year across the country on December 23. India is a
predominantly farmers’ driven economy and farmers are considered the backbone
of the Indian economy. The Kisan Diwas is celebrated to recognise their contribution
to the country. This is the 20th Kiswan Diwas.

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Why is Kisan Diswas
celebrated on December 23?

India observes Kisan Diwas on December 23 to
commemorate the birth anniversary of the fifth prime minister of India,
Chaudhary Charan Singh.

Chaudhary Charan Singh was born on 23 December
1902 to a middle-class peasant family at Noorpur village in Meerut district of
Uttar Pradesh. He helmed the prime minister’s seat between 1979 and 1980 and
contributed to several farmer-friendly land reform policies in the country.

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During his one year tenure as the prime
minister of the country, Chaudhary Charan Singh introduced several welfare
schemes that would help farmers draw better benefits. Singh’s quest to help
farmers had been the main motto from his days as a freedom fighter.

In order to bring out farmers from the
atrocities of moneylenders, Chaudhary Charan Singh introduced Debt Redemption
Bill back in 1939. From 1962-63, he also served as the Minister for Agriculture
and Forests in Sucheta Kripalani’s Ministry.

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In 2001, the Indian government designated his
birthday, December 23, as the Kisan Diwas to recognise his massive work for the
farmers.

Why is it significant?

India has over six lakh villages, which house
over 70 per cent of the population of the nation. This major portion of the
population makes its livelihood of farming and this population makes sure that
every India gets a three square meal at least three times a day.

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Kisan Diwas signifies the need to listen to
them and ensure their social and economic security. The day also focuses on
educating farmers with the latest learnings of the agricultural sector.