Every year on December 23, India observes Kisan Diwas, marking the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Chaudhary Charan Singh, the country’s fifth Prime Minister.

The day serves as a national tribute to “Annadatas,” recognising them as the backbone of India’s economic prosperity and food security.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in paying homage to Singh, hailing him as a true well-wisher of the poor whose spirit of service continues to inspire the government’s rural-centric policies.

Across the nation, agricultural seminars and government programmes are being held to promote sustainable practices and address challenges like climate change and equitable crop pricing.

History of Kisan Diwas 2025

The tradition of celebrating National Farmers Day or Kisan Diwas on 23 December began in 2001, when the Indian government officially designated the day to commemorate Chaudhary Charan Singh’s profound influence on agrarian reforms.

Born into a peasant family, Singh rose to become a formidable advocate for the rural population, introducing landmark legislations like the Debt Redemption Bill and the Land Holding Act.

His political journey was dedicated to dismantling the exploitative zamindari system and ensuring that the tillers of the soil received their rightful dues. His legacy was further solidified in 2024 when President Droupadi Murmu posthumously conferred the Bharat Ratna upon him, an honour received by his grandson, Union Minister Jayant Singh.

Top Government Schemes for Farmers

Here are top 5 centrally sponsored government schemes that assure growth and security of farmers in India:

1. PM Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY): A newly launched initiative targeting 100 low-productivity districts to boost agricultural output. It focuses on enhancing irrigation, diversifying crops, and providing 1.7 crore farmers with better access to credit and post-harvest storage solutions.

2. National Mission on High Yielding Seeds: This mission focuses on the research and distribution of climate-resilient and pest-resistant seed varieties. Since mid-2024, over 100 new seed varieties have been made commercially available to ensure food security amidst changing weather patterns.

3. NAMO Drone Didi Scheme: Aimed at empowering rural women, this scheme provides drones to Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for agricultural services like pesticide spraying and crop monitoring. It offers a 50% subsidy (up to ₹5 lakh) to help modernize farming while creating new livelihood opportunities for women.

4. Digital Agriculture Mission (AgriStack): This initiative creates a unified “Farmer Registry” to provide personalized services. By linking land records with Aadhaar and bank accounts, it ensures seamless delivery of benefits and offers real-time AI-based crop advisories through tools like the “Kisan e-Mitra” chatbot.

5. Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission: Launched recently to make India self-sufficient in pulses like Tur, Urad, and Masoor. The mission provides farmers with high-yielding seeds and guarantees assured procurement at Minimum Support Prices (MSP) to reduce India’s dependence on pulse imports.

Viksit Bharat – G RAM G Bill 2025

The Viksit Bharat – G RAM G Bill 2025 supports farmers by increasing the statutory work guarantee to 125 days, providing a stronger financial safety net.

A key feature is the 60-day “agricultural pause,” which halts public works during peak sowing and harvesting to ensure labour availability for farms. Additionally, it prioritises building durable assets like irrigation tanks and storage units to improve long-term productivity.

However, passage of the G RAM G Bill was met with “paper-tearing” protests and walkouts in Parliament.

Opposition leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi and Shashi Tharoor, have termed the bill a “retrograde step,” arguing that the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name is an ideological assault on the scheme’s foundations. 

Furthermore, they claim that moving from a demand-driven model to a capped “supply-driven” one will turn a legal entitlement into a discretionary government gift.

Significance of Farmers Day 2025

Kisan Diwas is not merely a ceremonial date but a timely reminder of the critical role farmers play in India’s growth, where they are revered as “Annadata” or the givers of food. Agriculture continues to be the primary livelihood for a vast majority of the population, contributing significantly to the GDP.

However, Kisan Diwas also sheds light on the grave challenges faced by the farming community, including market volatility, escalating debt, and the devastating impacts of climate change on crop yields.

This year, the focus remains on “Empowering ‘Annadatas’ for a Prosperous Nation,” urging a transition toward sustainable farming methods and ensuring that farmers have access to robust insurance schemes and subsidies.

How You Can Support Local Farmers

As the bridge between rural fields and urban dining tables, we as consumers hold immense power to influence the lives of our “Annadatas.” Here are five simple yet effective ways to support local farming communities directly:

• Shop at Farmers’ Markets: Skip the supermarket once a week and visit your local Apni Mandi or farmers’ market. Buying directly ensures that 100 per cent of your money goes to the producer, bypassing exploitative middlemen.
• Join a CSA or Subscription Box: Subscribe to Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs. By paying for a “harvest share” in advance, you provide farmers with stable seed capital and a guaranteed market for their seasonal produce.
• Choose GI-Tagged & Seasonal Produce: Actively look for Geographical Indication (GI) tagged products like Shahi Litchi or Kandhamal Haldi. Eating seasonally not only supports local biodiversity but also ensures you get the highest nutritional value.
• Support Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs): Many farmers now form collectives to sell processed goods like oils, honey, and pulses. Buying from FPO-backed brands helps small-scale farmers transition into successful agri-entrepreneurs.
• Reduce Food Waste: Respect the toil behind every grain. By planning meals and reducing waste, you ensure that the resources, water, sweat and soil, invested by a farmer are truly valued.

Government Initiatives

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tribute on Kisan Diwas on X emphasised that Charan Singh’s dedication remains a guiding light for current agricultural schemes aimed at self-reliance.

Significant strides have been made through programmes like the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, which provides direct income support, and the expansion of digital agricultural markets to eliminate middlemen.

During a special Krishi programme at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, officials highlighted that India has become a global leader in producing pulses and milk.

The government is also focusing on climate-resilient seeds and water conservation projects to help farmers adapt to changing environmental patterns, ensuring that the legacy of Singh’s advocacy translates into modern-day resilience for every rural household.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

At The Logical Indian, we believe that the true essence of Kisan Diwas lies in acknowledging that the prosperity of the city is rooted in the soil of the village.

While we celebrate the “Annadata” with awards and speeches, we must advocate for a systemic shift where the farmer is treated as a partner in progress, not just a beneficiary of subsidies.

Our commitment to empathy and harmony demands that we listen to the grievances of those who feed us, ensuring they are protected from the vagaries of the market and nature.