Kisan Diwas 2024: Honoring Farmers and Promoting Sustainable Agriculture

Kisan Diwas, or National Farmer’s Day, is celebrated every year on December 23 to honor the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, the fifth Prime Minister of India. This day recognizes the invaluable contributions of farmers to India’s economy and food security while shedding light on their challenges. In 2024, Kisan Diwas holds special importance as it commemorates the 122nd birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh.

This article explores the history, significance, activities, and challenges faced by farmers, and the technologies and policies shaping agriculture in India today.

Key Details About Kisan Diwas 2024

• Date: December 23, 2024
• Day: Monday
• Significance: 122nd birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh
• History: Established in 2001 to honor Singh’s contribution to agriculture and farmer welfare
• Theme: Empowering Farmers for Sustainable Agriculture

The day is a platform to discuss critical issues in agriculture and encourage sustainable farming practices. It emphasizes the importance of farmers in maintaining the country's food supply and also highlights the policies and innovations that aim to support them.

The Legacy of Chaudhary Charan Singh

Chaudhary Charan Singh (1902–1987) was a staunch advocate for farmer’s rights. He played a pivotal role in introducing reforms that uplifted small farmers and focused on rural development. Some of his key contributions include:

1. Land Reforms: Singh was instrumental in implementing the Zamindari Abolition Act and Consolidation of Holdings Act, which redistributed land to small farmers. These reforms remain a cornerstone of India's land policy.
2. Focus on Small Farmers: Singh believed in empowering smallholder farmers, emphasizing their importance for the rural economy. His policies aimed to enhance their incomes and protect their interests.
3. Advocacy for Minimum Support Price (MSP): He promoted the idea of fair pricing for crops, which later led to the establishment of the MSP mechanism.
4. Sustainable Farming Practices: Singh stressed the importance of agriculture over rapid industrialization, advocating for balanced economic growth that prioritized farming.
5. Kisan Diwas: Celebrated on his birth anniversary, Kisan Diwas continues to inspire discussions about farmer welfare and rural development.

Significance of Kisan Diwas

Kisan Diwas highlights the crucial role of farmers in shaping India’s economy and society. It also serves several purposes:

• Recognizing Farmer’s Contributions: The day acknowledges the hard work of farmers who ensure the country’s food security and drive rural development.
• Raising Awareness About Challenges: It sheds light on issues like rising input costs, unpredictable weather patterns, lack of access to technology, and price unpredictability.
• Promoting Government Initiatives: Kisan Diwas is an opportunity to inform farmers about schemes such as PM-KISAN, PMFBY, and the Namo Drone Didi Scheme, which aim to improve their livelihoods.

Key Challenges Faced by Farmers in India

Farmers in India face numerous difficulties that impact their productivity and well-being. These challenges include:

1. Rising Input Costs: The cost of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides has increased significantly, reducing farmer’s profit margins.
2. Extreme Weather Events: Unpredictable weather conditions like floods, droughts, and heatwaves disrupt crop cycles and lower yields.
3. Price Volatility: Market price fluctuations often leave farmers without fair compensation for their produce.
4. Debt Burden: Many farmers struggle with loans and seek debt waivers to alleviate financial stress.
5. Lack of Access to Technology: Modern tools and techniques remain out of reach for many farmers due to high costs or limited training.
6. Environmental Degradation: Issues like soil erosion and water scarcity threaten sustainable agriculture.
7. Policy Gaps: Despite numerous schemes, farmers often struggle to access benefits due to governmental delays and lack of awareness.

Addressing these challenges is vital for improving farmer’s livelihoods and ensuring food security in India.

Activities and Celebrations on Kisan Diwas 2024

Kisan Diwas 2024 will feature a variety of activities aimed at educating, honoring, and empowering farmers.

Key events include:

1. Agricultural Exhibitions: Showcasing innovations such as drones, drip irrigation systems, and bio-control agents.
2. Workshops and Seminars: Educational sessions on modern farming practices, crop management, and sustainable agriculture.
3. Farmer Appreciation Events: Recognizing outstanding farmers and their contributions to the community.
4. Tree Planting Drives: Promoting environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
5. Community Feasts: Celebrating local produce with meals prepared from ingredients grown by farmers.
6. Competitions and Awards: Encouraging excellence in farming through various competitions.
7. Social Media Campaigns: Raising awareness about the significance of Kisan Diwas and expressing gratitude toward farmers.
8. School Collaborations: Drawing competitions and educational programs to engage students and teach them about agriculture.

Also Read: Mahindra Tractors Celebrates Kisan Diwas with Digital Tribute to Farmers

Government Schemes Supporting Farmers

Several government initiatives aim to address farmer’s challenges and improve their livelihoods. Prominent schemes include:

• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN): Provides ₹6,000 annually to small and marginal land-holding farmers, paid in three installments through direct transfers, aiding daily expenses and boosting agricultural growth.
• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Provides insurance for crop losses due to natural disasters, pests, and diseases. Premium rates are 2% for Kharif, 1.5% for Rabi, and 5% for commercial crops. It covers post-harvest losses for 14 days and offers online applications with quick claims processing within 72 hours.
• Namo Drone Didi Scheme: Empower women in rural areas, especially those in Self-Help Groups (SHGs), by providing drones for agricultural tasks like spraying pesticides and fertilizers. The government covers 80% of drone costs, offers training, and helps generate income for SHGs through drone services.

These schemes reflect the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity.

Also Read: Top 21 Central Government Schemes for the Welfare of Farmers in India

Technological Innovations Showcased on Kisan Diwas 2024

The 2024 celebrations will spotlight cutting-edge technologies designed to transform farming practices.

Key innovations include:

1. Drones for Agriculture: Drones will be used for crop monitoring, pesticide spraying, and improving farm management under the Namo Drone Didi Scheme.
2. Drip Irrigation Systems: Advanced irrigation methods that conserve water and boost efficiency.
3. Ultra-High-Density Plantation: Techniques that maximize land use, especially in fruit farming.
4. Biocontrol Agents and Botanical Pesticides: Organic alternatives to chemical pesticides, promoting eco-friendly farming.
5. Improved Seed Varieties: Resilient seeds engineered to withstand pests and climate changes.
6. Mobile Applications: Apps providing real-time updates on weather, market prices, and best practices.

These innovations aim to make farming more sustainable, efficient, and profitable.

The Role of Minimum Support Price (MSP)

The Minimum Support Price (MSP) ensures farmers receive a fair price for their crops, protecting them from market fluctuations. While it aims to stabilize incomes, MSP faces challenges like limited procurement and regional disparities, making it less effective in many areas. Farmers are now demanding a legal guarantee for MSP to ensure consistent and fair compensation. Strengthening MSP could provide the stability needed to support farmers and help secure a sustainable agricultural future.

Also Read: Top 10 Most Profitable Farming Ventures in India

CMV360 Says

Kisan Diwas 2024 is more than just a celebration; it’s a call to action for supporting farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. By honoring Chaudhary Charan Singh's legacy and addressing pressing challenges, this day aims to empower farmers and secure a brighter future for India’s agricultural sector. Let us recognize their contributions and work together to make farming a viable and sustainable livelihood for generations to come.