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The National Farmers’ Day in India is also known as Kisan Divas in Hindi. Farmer’s Day is celebrated every year on 23 December, on the birthday of the 5th Prime Minister of India, Choudhary Charan Singh, also a farmer’s leader, who introduced many policies to improve the lives of the Indian farmers.

Kisan Diwas or National Farmers’ Day is observed on December 23, the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, the fifth prime minister of India.

Born into a farmer’s family, Chaudhary Charan Singh was known for his farmer-friendly policies. He was the prime minister between July 1979 and January 1980. During his short time as prime minister, Chaudhary Charan Singh worked hard for the welfare of Indian farmers. He had introduced several welfare schemes for the farmers. The government, in 2001, decided to mark Charan Singh’s birth anniversary as Kisan Diwas.
Kisan Diwas is a day to remember the role of Indian farmers in the economy. Chaudhary Charan Singh played a key role in bringing the issues of small and marginal farmers to the forefront. He always fought and stood for farmers’ rights.

Carrying forward Sir Chhotu Ram’s legacy, he founded the Kisan Trust on December 23, 1978, to spread awareness about farmers’ issues in the country. Just like Chotu Ram, Charan Singh championed the interest of oppressed communities and small farmers.

In 1939, he introduced the Debt Redemption Bill to give relief to the farmers from moneylenders. As the agriculture minister, in 1952, Charan Singh worked for abolishing the zamindari system and in 1953, he got the Consolidation of Holdings Act passed. Under this Act, fragmented land holdings were pooled and then re-allotted to the farmers in a way that each got a single farm. Charan Singh also made effort to free the marginal farmers from being exploited.

Chaudhary Charan Singh was committed to the farm sector and favoured small and cottage industries. For his association with the farming community, his memorial in New Delhi was named the Kisan Ghat.

Farmers’ Day in other countries:

Farmers’ Day is an annual observance in various countries to celebrate the national contributions of farmers and agriculturers.

Ghana:
The National Farmers’ Day in Ghana is an annual celebration of farmers and fishermen, observed on the first Friday of December. On Farmers’ Day, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (Ghana) honours with special awards to deserving farmers and fishermen based on their practices and output.
Pakistan:
The National Farmers’ Day in Pakistan, also known as Kissan Day, was celebrated for the first time in the country’s history on December 18, 2019, in Islamabad as was also acknowledged by the Prime Minister Imran Khan. The idea was proposed by Pakistan’s leading Fertilizer manufacturing company Fatima Group in favour of promoting farmer welfare and prosperity while celebrating Pakistan’s first farmers’ day on December 18, 2019, during a special event in Islamabad which was acknowledged and endorsed by the Country’s premier.
United States:
In America, it is observed on 12 October every year. It is celebrated to pay tribute to all farmers throughout American history.
Zambia:
The National Farmers’ Day in Zambia is observed on the first Monday Of August.