National Farmers’ Day honors the vital role of farmers in India’s economy and food security. Observed annually on December 23, it commemorates the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, India’s fifth Prime Minister and a champion of farmers’ rights. This day highlights ongoing challenges and innovations in agriculture while promoting sustainable practices.

Historical Significance

India established National Farmers’ Day, or Kisan Divas, in 2001 to recognize Chaudhary Charan Singh’s contributions. Born on December 23, 1902, Singh served as Prime Minister from 1979 to 1980 and focused on land reforms and rural development. His book India’s Economic Policy and Development advocated for farmer-centric policies that influenced modern agrarian reforms.

The day gained prominence amid India’s Green Revolution in the 1960s, which transformed the nation from food-deficient to self-sufficient. Events across states feature seminars, soil health camps, and tributes to farmers who feed over 1.4 billion people.

Current Celebrations in 2025

In 2025, festivities emphasize digital agriculture and climate resilience amid erratic monsoons. Government programs like PM-KISAN and soil health cards take center stage during nationwide events. Farmers’ fairs in Delhi, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh showcase hybrid seeds, drone technology, and organic farming demos.

Key activities include:

• Workshops on precision farming using AI apps for crop monitoring.
• Award ceremonies for progressive farmers adopting zero-budget natural farming.
• Virtual webinars linking rural producers with urban markets via e-NAM platforms.

These initiatives align with India’s goal to double farmers’ income by 2025 through tech integration.

Challenges Facing Farmers Today

Despite progress, farmers grapple with water scarcity, rising input costs, and market volatility. The 2024-25 kharif season saw 15% yield drops in rice due to floods in Bihar and Assam. Small landholdings—average 1.08 hectares—limit mechanization, while 60% of arable land depends on monsoons.

Debt traps persist, with over 10,000 farmer suicides reported annually. Crop insurance under PMFBY covers only 40% of eligible farmers, leaving many vulnerable to losses.

Government Initiatives and Solutions

The Modi government launched several schemes to empower farmers. PM-KISAN disburses ₹6,000 yearly to 11 crore farmers, injecting ₹2.8 lakh crore since 2019. Kisan Rail and Agri-Drones enhance logistics and pest control.

Innovative pushes include:

• Nano-urea adoption, reducing chemical use by 50% in pilot states.
• FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations) numbering 10,000+ for collective bargaining.
• Solar pumps under PM-KUSUM for 20 lakh farmers by 2026.

These measures aim for a $1 trillion farm economy by 2030.

Role of Technology in Modern Farming

Digital tools revolutionize Indian agriculture in 2025. Apps like Kisan Suvidha provide weather forecasts and MSP updates in Hindi and regional languages. Blockchain traces produce from farm to fork, boosting exports worth $50 billion.

Drones spray pesticides on 2 million hectares, cutting costs by 30%. AI platforms predict yields with 90% accuracy, helping cooperatives secure loans.

Technology	Benefit	Adoption Rate
Drones	Precise spraying	15% in Punjab
AI Yield Prediction	Risk reduction	25% large farms
e-NAM	Better prices	1.7 crore farmers
Nano-Urea	Cost savings	4 crore bottles sold

Sustainable Practices for the Future

Farmers shift to climate-smart methods like crop rotation and drip irrigation, conserving 40% water. Millet promotion under the International Year of Millets builds drought resistance. Organic farming spans 2.78 million hectares, targeting urban health-conscious buyers.

Youth involvement grows through agri-startups; 20,000 Krishi Vigyan Kendras train 1 crore annually. Community seed banks preserve 5,000 indigenous varieties against biodiversity loss.

Path Forward

National Farmers’ Day 2025 calls for policy tweaks like guaranteed MSP and easier credit. Collaborative efforts between states, NGOs, and tech firms promise resilient agriculture. Honoring farmers means investing in their prosperity for India’s food sovereignty.