Context:
National Farmers Day(Kisan Diwas) is observed every year on 23 December It is celebrated to honor the unforgettable contribution of farmers, who are the lifeblood of the nation and are revered as ‘Annadatas’.
Introduction
- This day is celebrated as the birth anniversary of the fifth Prime Minister of India, Shri Chaudhary Charan Singh, who was famous for his commitment towards rural issues and the welfare of farmers.
- The Government of India has launched several initiatives to ensure the socio-economic development of farmers and sustainable agriculture.
- Programmes like PM-KISAN, PMFBY, and PM-KMY provide financial security, risk protection, and long-term social security through schemes that address both immediate challenges and long-term needs.
- These schemes reflect the government’s commitment to support farmers and promote a sustainable agricultural future.
Role of farmers
- Farmers are vital not only to agriculture but also to rural development and food security, supporting the livelihoods of millions of people and contributing to India’s resilience and prosperity.
- India’s agriculture sector, which employs nearly half of the country’s population, is vital to the economy, projected to grow by 2023–24 to gross value added ( GVA) 17.7% in contributions.
- 54.8% of the country’s 328.7 million hectares is agricultural land, with a cropping intensity of 155.4% as of 2021–22.
- India achieved a record food grain production of 332.2 million tonnes in 2023-24, up from 329.7 million tonnes in the previous year , reflecting the resilience and dedication of Indian farmers.
Major schemes for farmers
- PM-KISAN, PMFBY, PM-KMY MISS, KCC, AIF These major agriculture schemes along with other such schemes reflect the commitment of the Government of India to support the farmers.
- These schemes provide financial assistance, insurance, affordable credit, and infrastructure development, empowering farmers with the resources needed for sustainable agriculture and economic security.
Other Important Initiatives
- Namo Drone Didi : A scheme with a budget of ₹1,261 crore from 2024-25 to 2025-26 will provide drones for agricultural services to 15,000 women self-help groups (SHGs). The government provides 80 % financial assistance, up to ₹8 lakh for drones and accessories. ₹141.41 crore has been released for promoting drone use by farmers.
- Soil Health Card Scheme: Launched in 2015, the scheme aims to improve soil health and promote efficient use of fertilizers. So far 24.60 crore cards have been issued, of which 36.61 lakh will be issued in 2023-24. There is a plan to test 5 crore soil samples by 2025-26 to develop a soil fertility map.
- 10,000 FPOs: 10,000Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) with ₹6,865 crore in 2020 The scheme was launched for the formation of FPOs. So far, 9,411 FPOs have been formed, benefiting 26.17 lakh farmers, and improving collective farming and market access.
- Kisan Kavach : Launched in December 2024, it is India’s first anti-pesticide bodysuit, designed to protect farmers from pesticides.
- Clean Plant Program: August 2024 Sanctioned in 2015 with ₹1,765.67 crore, it will provide disease-free planting material, thereby improving the quality and productivity of horticultural crops.
- Digital Agriculture Mission : Approved in September 2024 with ₹2,817 crore, which will support digital agriculture initiatives, including the creation of digital public infrastructure and Digital General Crop Estimate Survey ( DGCES).
- Credit Guarantee Scheme for e-NWR-based Pledge Financing: This scheme with an amount of ₹1,000 crore in December 2024 has been launched to provide post-harvest financing to farmers. Under this scheme, farmers can get a credit guarantee by pledging the produce stored in certified warehouses and by issuing Electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipts ( e-NWRs).