National Farmers’ Day

Syllabus: GS3/Agriculture, Economy

In News

• National Farmers’ Day is celebrated every year on December 23 to honour farmers’ contributions to the Indian economy

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 (₹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 (₹1,765.67 crore).
• Digital Agriculture Mission: Supports digital initiatives to boost agriculture, including crop estimation surveys and infrastructure (₹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.

Source: PIB