Today, India observes Kisan Diwas, or National Farmers' Day, a day dedicated to the "Annadatas" (providers of food) who form the bedrock of the nation’s economy and food security. Celebrated annually on the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, India’s 5th Prime Minister and a legendary champion of farmers' rights, the day serves as both a tribute to their hard work and a platform for agricultural advancement.
Importance and Significance of Kisan Diwas
The year 2025 marks a critical juncture for Indian agriculture as the country moves toward Viksit Bharat 2047. The significance of Kisan Diwas goes beyond ceremonial tributes:
- Honouring a Legacy: It commemorates Chaudhary Charan Singh’s role in implementing land reforms and the abolition of the Zamindari system.
- Ensuring Food Security: It acknowledges the resilience of farmers who sustain a population of over 1.4 billion despite climate challenges.
- Economic Pillar: Agriculture employs nearly half of India’s workforce; hence, rural prosperity is directly linked to national growth.
- Awareness Hub: The day facilitates nationwide seminars and workshops on modern farming techniques and climate-resilient crops.
Benefits of National Farmers' Day
- Policy Focus: It brings national attention to farmer-centric issues like MSP (Minimum Support Price), irrigation, and debt relief.
- Technological Integration: Encourages the transition from traditional farming to Digital Agriculture, leveraging AI and drones.
- Student Engagement: Schools and colleges use this day to educate the youth about the dignity of labor in farming and career opportunities in Agribusiness.
Top 10 Government Schemes Benefiting Indian Farmers:
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Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN):
- Objective: To provide income support to all eligible farmer families across the country to supplement their financial needs for procuring various inputs and to ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields.
- Benefit: Eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 per year in three equal installments of ₹2,000.
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Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY):
- Objective: To provide comprehensive insurance coverage against crop failure, helping to stabilize farmers' incomes and encourage them to adopt innovative farming practices.
- Benefit: Provides financial support to farmers suffering crop loss/damage arising out of unforeseen events. Uniform premium of 2% for all Kharif crops, 1.5% for all Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial/horticultural crops.
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Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme:
- Objective: To provide adequate and timely credit support from the banking system to farmers for their cultivation and other needs.
- Benefit: Farmers can avail short-term loans for crop production, post-harvest expenses, marketing of produce, and consumption requirements.
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Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme:
- Objective: To provide soil health cards to farmers, assessing the nutrient status of their farm soil and advising them on the dosage of fertilizers and required soil amendments.
- Benefit: Promotes balanced fertilization and sustainable agricultural practices, leading to improved yields and reduced input costs.
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National Agriculture Market (e-NAM):
- Objective: To create a unified national market for agricultural commodities by providing a common online platform for buyers and sellers, ensuring better price discovery for farmers.
- Benefit: Farmers can sell their produce online to a wider market, ensuring fair prices and transparency.
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Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY):
- Objective: "Har Khet Ko Pani" (water for every field) – to expand cultivated area under assured irrigation, improve water use efficiency, and promote micro-irrigation.
- Benefit: Supports projects related to irrigation infrastructure, water harvesting, and water conservation, including 'Per Drop More Crop' initiatives.
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Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM):
- Objective: To promote agricultural mechanization by providing subsidies for the purchase of various farm machinery and equipment.
- Benefit: Reduces manual labor, increases efficiency, and makes farming less arduous.
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Minimum Support Price (MSP) Scheme:
- Objective: To protect farmers from market fluctuations and ensure a remunerative price for their produce, set by the government for various crops.
- Benefit: Acts as a safety net, guaranteeing a minimum income for certain crops, thereby stabilizing farmer incomes.
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Formation & Promotion of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs):
- Objective: To collectivize farmers into FPOs to address their challenges and leverage economies of scale in production, processing, and marketing.
- Benefit: FPOs enable farmers to access better markets, inputs, credit, and technology, strengthening their bargaining power.
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Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS):
- Objective: To promote dairy farming and create self-employment opportunities in the dairy sector.
- Benefit: Provides financial assistance and subsidies for setting up small dairy units, contributing to diversification of farm income.
