The significance of India’s National Farmer’s Day, also known as Kisan Diwas, is marked by recognizing outstanding farming innovations and celebrating the life and contributions of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh. This piece will delve into his Key Facts, the Related Initiatives for Farmers, and a few questions from the UPSC Civil Services Examination related to these topics.
Chaudhary Charan Singh: Champion of India’s Peasants
Charan Singh, born in 1902 at Noorpur, Uttar Pradesh, served as India’s Prime Minister from 28th July 1979 to 14th January 1980. Known as the ‘Champion of India’s Peasants’, Singh was an ardent supporter of rural and agricultural development, firmly placing agriculture at the center of India’s planning efforts.
He played a pivotal role in formulating and finalizing the Debt Redemption Bill 1939, designed to alleviate peasants’ suffering from moneylenders. He also contributed significantly to the Land Holding Act, 1960, which aimed at standardizing the ceiling on land holdings throughout Uttar Pradesh.
After severing ties with Congress in 1967, Singh formed the Bharatiya Lok Dal and served twice as Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister. He authored several books and pamphlets advocating for farmers’ rights and agricultural development, including ‘Abolition of Zamindari’, ‘Co-operative Farming X-rayed’, and ‘India’s Poverty and its Solution’.
Government Initiatives for Farmers
The Indian government has introduced a variety of schemes and policies designed to support farmers. Among these is the PM-KISAN scheme, which transfers Rs 6,000 per year, in three equal installments, directly into all landholding farmers’ bank accounts, irrespective of their landholding size.
Another initiative is the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, promoting sustainable agriculture practices best suited to specific agro-ecologies. The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, consisting of three components – the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme, Har Khet ko Pani, and watershed development components – also helps farmers.
Among other schemes are the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, Nutrient Based Subsidy Programme, Rashtriya Gokul Mission, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana. In addition, the Kisan Credit Card scheme was introduced in 1998 to provide timely credit support from the banking system to farmers.
UPSC Civil Services Examination: Previous Year Questions
One question from the 2020 examination pertained to the Kisan Credit Card scheme, asking which purposes short-term credit support is provided to farmers. According to the scheme, it covers working capital for maintenance of farm assets, consumption requirements of farm households, post-harvest expenses, but not the purchase of combine harvesters, tractors and mini trucks, or construction of a family house and setting up of village cold storage facility.
Another question from the 2016 examination had reference to the ‘Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana’, where one had to determine which statements are correct. This scheme does cover post-harvest losses arising out of cyclones and unseasonal rains, but it is not true that farmers have to pay a uniform premium of two percent for any crop they cultivate in any season of the year.
By celebrating Kisan Diwas and remembering pioneers like Charan Singh, India reaffirms its commitment to uplifting its vast farming community. Through numerous government initiatives and policies, the country seeks to ensure that farming remains a sustainable and profitable profession. By understanding and appreciating these efforts, we can contribute to the continued growth and prosperity of this vital industry.