National Farmers Day 2025: Why is Kisan Diwas Celebrated on 23 December? Full Story and Significance

National Farmers Day 2025, also known as Kisan Diwas, is being observed across India on December 23. This important day is dedicated to honoring the hard work, sacrifices, and contributions of Indian farmers, who are widely regarded as the backbone of the country’s economy. But why is Farmer’s Day celebrated only on December 23, and what is the story behind it? Let us understand the full history, importance, and legacy connected with this day.

Also Read: Kisan Diwas 2024: Honoring Farmers and Promoting Sustainable Agriculture

Why Is National Farmers Day Celebrated on December 23?

National Farmers Day is celebrated every year on December 23 to mark the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, the fifth Prime Minister of India and one of the strongest voices for farmers’ rights in Indian history. This day recognizes his lifelong dedication to rural development, agricultural reforms, and the empowerment of small and marginal farmers.

The Government of India officially declared December 23 as National Farmers Day in 2001, during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee under the NDA government. The main objective was to give national recognition to farmers and highlight their role in ensuring food security and economic stability.

When Did Kisan Diwas Begin and What Is Its Purpose?

Kisan Diwas was initiated to:

• Acknowledge the contribution of farmers at the national level

• Spread awareness about farmers’ rights

• Educate farmers about modern farming techniques

• Share information on government schemes and sustainable agriculture

On this day, seminars, workshops, and field-level programs are organized across the country where farmers interact with agricultural experts and learn about new technologies, climate-resilient farming, and better income opportunities.

Who Was Chaudhary Charan Singh? The Farmer’s Leader

Chaudhary Charan Singh was born into a humble farming family in Noorpur village, Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh. Having witnessed poverty and struggle in rural life from a young age, he dedicated his entire life to improving the condition of farmers and agricultural labourers.

After completing his B.Sc. and Law degree, he entered politics and later served as the fifth Prime Minister of India from July 1979 to January 1980. His political philosophy was clear and firm—India cannot prosper unless its farmers prosper.

In recognition of his lifelong contribution to farmers and rural India, he was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2024.

Chaudhary Charan Singh: The Messiah of Farmers

Chaudhary Charan Singh was born on December 23, 1902, in a humble farming family in Noorpur village, Meerut district, Uttar Pradesh. Having seen the poverty and struggles of farmers from a young age, he devoted his entire life to securing dignity, rights, and self-respect for rural India.

After completing a B.Sc. and a law degree, he entered politics and later served as the Prime Minister of India from July 1979 to January 1980. He was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of Gram Swaraj and firmly believed that India could never become self-reliant unless its farmers were empowered.

His simplicity, honesty, and strong willpower kept him connected to the soil even after reaching the highest political positions.

Major Agricultural and Land Reforms by Charan Singh

Abolition of the Zamindari System

Chaudhary Charan Singh played a key role in abolishing the zamindari system, freeing farmers from exploitation by landlords and ensuring land ownership rights for cultivators.

Consolidation of Land Holdings

One of his most impactful reforms was the Consolidation of Landholdings Act. Before this reform, farmers owned small, scattered plots of land, making farming unprofitable. Consolidation merged these plots into larger units called chaks, enabling:

• Better irrigation

• Use of modern machinery

• Reduction in land disputes

• Increased farm productivity

Creation of the Lekhpal System

To end corruption and misuse of power by patwaris, Charan Singh introduced the post of lekhpal and reduced patwari authority. When thousands of patwaris resigned in protest, he accepted their resignations and appointed new lekhpals, bringing transparency to rural governance.

Land Ceiling (Hadbandi) Law

In 1958, he introduced the Hadbandi (land ceiling) law, limiting land ownership to 12.5 acres. Excess land was redistributed to landless laborers and poor farmers, ensuring social justice and balanced land distribution.

Restoring the Rights and Self-Respect of Farmers

Charan Singh’s reforms transformed the lives of millions of oppressed farmers. The 1954 amendment granted ownership rights to nearly five million marginalized tenants, giving them permanent rights over their homes and farmland.

He strongly opposed compulsory cooperative farming and supported individual land ownership, believing that farmers work harder and produce more when they own their land. His approach strengthened village self-rule, encouraged cottage industries, and boosted rural employment.

Standing Firm Against Unfair Tax Burden

In 1962, Chaudhary Charan Singh showed extraordinary political courage by opposing a proposed 50% hike in land revenue in Uttar Pradesh. He openly stated that farmers could not bear additional financial pressure and was even ready to resign. His firm stand forced the government to withdraw the proposal, protecting farmers from economic distress.

Because of such decisive leadership, Uttar Pradesh advanced faster in land reforms compared to several other states, making it a strong agricultural region.

Contribution of Farmers to India

India is an agricultural nation where over 60% of the population depends directly or indirectly on farming. The agricultural sector contributes significantly to India’s GDP and ensures food security for the entire country.

Farmers not only feed the nation but also support industries linked to agriculture. Despite this, they face challenges such as:

• Climate change

• Rising input costs

• Debt burden

• Lack of fair crop prices

• Limited access to modern technology

National Farmers Day provides a platform to discuss these challenges and work towards long-term solutions.

Importance of National Farmers Day

• Honoring Farmers: Recognizes their dedication and sacrifices

• Awareness Creation: Shares information on schemes, rights, and technology

• Policy Inspiration: Encourages farmer-friendly policies

• Youth Engagement: Connects young generations with agriculture

• Knowledge Sharing: Experts guide farmers on sustainable practices

Programs across the country celebrate farmers and reinforce the message that India’s progress is directly linked to the prosperity of its farmers.

A Day That Reminds India of Its Roots

Today, on December 23, the entire nation salutes its food providers. National Farmers Day is not just a celebration but a reminder of Chaudhary Charan Singh’s belief that the path to national prosperity passes through villages, fields, and barns. His vision made him the undisputed leader of farmers and a symbol of agricultural self-respect.

In recognition of his immense contribution, Chaudhary Charan Singh was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2024, cementing his legacy as the true champion of Indian farmers.

Also Read: Wheat Farming Tips: Easy and Proven Ways to Increase Tillers and Get a Bumper Wheat Yield

CMV360 Says

National Farmers Day reminds India that farmers are the real strength of the nation. Celebrated on December 23, it honors the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, whose life and policies empowered farmers and strengthened rural India. His reforms in land rights, fair pricing, and self-reliance changed the course of Indian agriculture. Kisan Diwas is not just a celebration, but a reminder that national progress is possible only when farmers prosper.