National Farmers Day: Why is National Farmers Day celebrated on 23 December? Know the whole story behind this

By Sandy Verma On Dec 23, 2025

National Farmers Day: Today, on 23rd December, National Farmers Day is being celebrated across the country. This day is dedicated to the Annadata farmers of India, who are called sons of the soil and Annadata in our culture. This day also marks the birth anniversary of the messiah of farmers, former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Chaudhary Charan Singh, hence every year December 23 is celebrated as Farmers’ Day.

Farmers are the backbone of Indian economy, food security and rural culture. Farmers feed the country’s population by working day and night in the fields. The purpose of National Farmers Day is to honor the hard work, dedication and contribution of farmers and express gratitude towards them.

Why is National Farmers Day celebrated?

The Government of India had decided in the year 2001 that the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh would be celebrated as National Farmers Day. Its objective is to focus the attention of the society on the upliftment of farmers, their economic contribution and problems related to the agricultural sector. On this day, seminars, programs and awareness campaigns are organized across the country on topics like agricultural development, farmer welfare and modern farming. Besides, farmers and institutions doing excellent work in the agricultural sector are also honoured.

Who was Chaudhary Charan Singh?

Chaudhary Charan Singh was born on 23 December 1902. He was the fifth Prime Minister of the country and held this post from July 1979 to January 1980. Throughout his short tenure and entire political career, he gave top priority to the interests of farmers and rural India.

leaders who empower farmers

Chaudhary Charan Singh is considered a true well-wisher of the farmers. He took many important steps to free the farmers from the clutches of moneylenders, implement land reforms and make agriculture the pivot of development. He made Dalits and backward classes land owners and gave them the right to live with dignity. Also emphasized on strengthening decentralization, local governance and rural economic autonomy.