Farming can be described as one of the oldest and noblest forms of professions worldwide. From some of the earliest civilisations to the latest modernisation, farming efforts indeed fueled humankind to sustain human existence on earth. In India, this is honoured every December 23 nationwide as Kisan Divas or National Farmers' Day. This day is dedicated to the tireless efforts, resilience, and impact of those who work the land to feed the nation.
National Farmers Day in India is observed on the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, the fifth Prime Minister of India. He served between 1979 and 1980 and was a persistent campaigner for the rights and welfare of farmers. His policies and reforms paved the way for betterment in India's agricultural sector, equal resource distribution, and ensuring that farmers' voices were heard in the corridors of power. Remembering Chaudhary Charan Singh's dedication, India celebrates not one leader but the spirit of all farmers who toil day and night for the nation's sustenance.
There is a popular saying that farmers are the backbone of India. This is true considering that agriculture is an industry that employs the most significant percentage of the labour force in the country. Not only is it an important sector contributing to India's GDP, but it also contributes to the raw materials needed in other industries. Whether grains feed or cotton clothes us, the farmers fuel the economy. Their hard work in the hot sun, during heavy monsoons, or uncertain climatic conditions keeps the supply chains of this country running.
Whereas Kisan Divas is a celebratory day, it also presents the problems faced by the farmers of India. Monsoons are erratic, and drought and floods occur frequently. In some areas, soil degradation also occurs. Moreover, with a steep rise in the cost of seeds and fertilisers, farmers are at the receiving end.
Most small and marginal farmers suffer from financial constraints and become debtors. Access to markets, fair pricing, and infrastructure facilities remains a significant concern for many farmers, leaving them with slim profit margins. Many farmers in India rely on antiquated methods due to small landholdings, making it challenging to adopt modern technologies.
The added burden includes extreme weather events, shifting patterns in rainfall, and increased temperatures. Such changes have effects that are primarily felt in the countryside and influence lifestyle and livelihood. National Farmers' Day reminds us of how, while celebrating the undeterred spirit of farmers, it is the time when we should collectively try to relieve them from their troubles, too.
Over the years, the Indian government has implemented various schemes and policies for farmers. These include minimum support prices (MSP) to ensure that they receive fair compensation, crop insurance schemes to reduce risks, and subsidies on farm inputs to reduce production costs. Credit and loan facilities are also available to help farmers modernise their operations and invest in better equipment and irrigation systems. Promoting sustainable agriculture practices, such as organic farming, water harvesting, and crop diversification, will help the agriculture sector sustain for more extended periods.
As India progresses, technology has become its saviour, resolving many age-old challenges to help farmers. Drones and mobile applications that provide weather forecasts and data-driven predictive analytics change how farming is carried out. Modern techniques, such as drip irrigation, preserve much more water, while biotechnology increases crop yields and resistance. E-commerce portals allow farmers to sell produce to the consumer directly rather than middlemen. However, these solutions must be applied on a large scale to benefit all farmers.
On National Farmers Day, functions are held in different parts of India to celebrate local farming communities. Workshops, exhibitions, and cultural programs are conducted to present innovation in agriculture and pay attention to the importance of farmers. Schools and colleges undertake awareness sessions that make the younger generations aware of agriculture's past, present, and future role in the country. Moreover, on this day, government bodies use it to release new policies, incentives, or relief measures to support farmers' welfare.
National Farmers Day, or Kisan Divas, is more than just a date in the calendar. It simply reminds everyone of the kind of debt the men and women who commit themselves to feed the nation need to be repaid. On the day, one can celebrate their life and work in it, but it then brings out the urgency and fulfilment of some of the needs of these very farmers. Let us, policymakers and institutions, private sector entities, and individual citizens unite to strengthen this pillar of agriculture. And therefore, our food security depends on it, and our economies depend on it. On Kisan Divas Day, let us pledge to stand by farmers every day of the calendar year, salute their hard work and team up with them as we build a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
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