Context: To recognise the efforts of Chaudhary Charan Singh, his birthday, December 23, was declared National Farmers' Day. His commitment and work in the direction of agriculture development influence agriculture policies and rural development today.

About the National Farmers’ Day

• History and Origins: It was established in 2001 and it commemorates the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, India’s fifth Prime Minister, known for his advocacy for farmers’ rights.

• He served as Prime Minister from 1979 to 1980 and was instrumental in land reforms, agricultural productivity improvements, and securing farmers’ rights.

Importance 

• Farmers are the backbone of India’s prosperity, contributing significantly to food security, rural economies, and national progress.

• India’s agricultural sector employs nearly half of the population and contributes 17.7% to the GDP (GVA).

• In 2023-24, India achieved a record foodgrain production of 332.2 million tonnes, showcasing farmers’ dedication.

• National Farmers’ Day honors the contributions of farmers and highlights their critical role in India’s economy.

• It highlights the challenges faced by farmers, including fair pricing, climate change, and the need for modern agricultural technologies.

Government-Initiatives-for-Farmers

• Increased Budget Allocation for Agriculture: The government significantly increased the budget for agriculture from Rs. 21,933.50 crore in FY 2013-14 to Rs. 1,22,528.77 crore in FY 2024-25.

• Namo Drone Didi: Empowers women SHGs with drones for agricultural services like pesticide application (Rs 1,261 crore for 2024-26).

• Soil Health Card Scheme: Aims to improve soil health and promote efficient fertiliser use (over 24.60 crore cards issued).

• Clean Plant Programme (CPP): Enhances quality and productivity of horticulture crops with disease-free planting material (Rs 1,765.67 crore).

• Digital Agriculture Mission: Supports digital initiatives to boost agriculture, including crop estimation surveys and infrastructure (Rs 2,817 crore).

Challenges

• Climate Change: Unpredictable weather, droughts, and floods reduce crop yields and cause financial instability.

• Access to Credit: Many farmers struggle to obtain affordable credit due to high interest rates and complex procedures.

• Price Fluctuations: Fluctuating crop prices and high input costs negatively impact farmers’ income.

• Limited Access to Technology: High costs and lack of infrastructure prevent farmers from using modern farming techniques.

• Infrastructure Gaps: Lack of roads, storage, and cold storage facilities leads to transportation and post-harvest losses.

Conclusion

• As India continues to develop and urbanize, it is crucial to remember the vital role that farmers play in the nation’s progress. 

• Therefore ,addressing the challenges is crucial for ensuring the sustainability and growth of the agricultural sector.

• Government schemes ensure financial security, enhance productivity, and promote sustainable growth for farmers.

• Ongoing initiatives aim to empower farmers, improve infrastructure, and set the stage for a resilient agricultural ecosystem, vital for India’s growth and development.