Today, December 23, marks the celebration of Kisan Diwas, or National Farmers' Day, in India. This day also honors the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, the country's fifth Prime Minister, renowned for his insight into rural challenges and his unwavering support for the rights and welfare of farmers.
Kisan Diwas, or National Farmers Day, celebrates India’s farmers, revered as ‘annadaataa’ (givers of food). The day honors their crucial role in the nation’s growth, economy, and prosperity, while also highlighting the challenges they face and the need for measures to improve their livelihoods and well-being.
On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Charan Singh in a post on X. “On the occasion of his birth anniversary, humble tribute to former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Chaudhary Charan Singh Ji, the true well-wisher of the poor and farmers. His dedication and spirit of service to the nation will continue to inspire everyone,” the prime minister said.
National Farmers Day, first celebrated in 2001, was established by the Indian government on December 23 to honor Chaudhary Charan Singh. He was a key figure in shaping India's agricultural policies and tirelessly advocated for the welfare of farmers and rural communities. Chaudhary Charan Singh believed that the progress of India's farmers and villages was crucial for the nation's development. His initiatives focused on equitable pricing, land reforms, and improved working conditions for agricultural workers.
National Farmers Day, observed every year on 23 December, is a tribute to the farmers who form the backbone of India’s economy. It also honors the legacy of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, a staunch advocate for farmers’ rights.
Officially recognized in 2001, Kisan Diwas highlights the challenges farmers face, from securing fair prices for their crops to adopting sustainable farming practices and navigating the impacts of climate change. The day also brings attention to government initiatives like subsidies, crop insurance, and agricultural loans, designed to support farmers’ livelihoods and strengthen India’s food systems.
In March last year, Singh’s lifelong contributions to agriculture were recognized when President Droupadi Murmu posthumously awarded him the Bharat Ratna, received by his grandson and Union minister, Jayant Singh.
National Farmers Day is both a celebration of farmers’ indispensable role and a reminder of the efforts needed to ensure their prosperity, resilience, and recognition.