Kisan Diwas 2025: Why India Marks National Farmers’ Day on December 23

Kisan Diwas 2025 which is also known as National Farmers Day, is celebrated across India on December 23 every year. The day recognises the enormous contribution of farmers to India’s social and economic fabric and underlines the importance of agriculture in ensuring food security and rural prosperity. The date marks the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, India’s fifth Prime Minister and a lifelong champion of farmers’ rights and rural development.

Why December 23 Is Celebrated as Kisan Diwas

December 23 was chosen to commemorate the birth of Chaudhary Charan Singh who was born in 1902 into a peasant family. His life and political career were closely linked with the upliftment of farmers and villages.

The Government of India officially declared December 23 as National Farmers Day in 2001 to honour his legacy and to remind the nation of the central role farmers play in sustaining India’s economy.

Significance of National Farmers Day

Kisan Diwas is more than a commemorative occasion. It serves as a platform to,

• Acknowledge farmers as ‘annadatas’ the providers of food
• Highlight challenges such as climate change, water stress, and market volatility
• Promote sustainable and climate resilient farming practices
• Encourage technological innovation and modern agriculture
• The day reinforces the idea that national prosperity depends on rural prosperity.

Celebrations and Activities Across India

On Kisan Diwas, various activities are organised across states and Union Territories. These include,

• Seminars and discussions on the future of agriculture
• Agricultural exhibitions showcasing new technologies
• Awareness programmes for farmers and rural youth
• Community interactions between policymakers, scientists, and farmers

Agricultural universities, research institutions, and rural organizations actively participate to spread awareness and encourage young people to take interest in agriculture.

Relevance in a Today’s Changing World

In today’s rapidly changing world, farmers face new challenges such as climate uncertainty, rising input costs, and market fluctuations. Kisan Diwas provides an opportunity to reflect on these issues and discuss solutions related to,

• Sustainable farming
• Rural infrastructure development
• Financial inclusion and crop insurance
• Use of technology like precision farming and digital platforms

The day also highlights recent government initiatives aimed at improving farmers income and resilience.

Chaudhary Charan Singh: Champion of Farmers

Chaudhary Charan Singh served as Prime Minister of India from 1979 to 1980. Though his tenure was brief his impact on agricultural policy was significant. He consistently argued that India’s true strength lies in its villages.

His key contributions included,

• Strong advocacy for land reforms
• Policies aimed at increasing agricultural productivity
• Efforts to reduce farmer indebtedness
• Emphasis on empowering small and marginal farmers

Because of his unwavering support for the farming community, he is widely remembered as the ‘champion of farmers’

Famous Quotes by Chaudhary Charan Singh

Some of Chaudhary Charan Singh’s words continue to inspire farmers and policymakers alike,

• “The true India resides in its villages.”
• “A nation can prosper only when its rural sector is upgraded.”
• “The farmer is the master of this country, but he has forgotten his power.”

These quotes reflect his deep belief in rural empowerment.

Key Takeaways

• Kisan Diwas/National Farmers Day is observed on December 23
• It marks the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh (1902–1987)
• He was India’s fifth Prime Minister (1979–1980)
• The day was officially declared in 2001
• Kisan Diwas highlights farmers’ role in food security and rural economy
• It promotes awareness on sustainable agriculture and farmers’ welfare

Question

Q. Kisan Diwas is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of:

A. Lal Bahadur Shastri
B. M.S. Swaminathan
C. Chaudhary Charan Singh
D. B.R. Ambedkar