Kisan Diwas 2025: The Story Behind National Farmers Day, Know Key Government Schemes This Year

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Kisan Diwas, or National Farmers' Day, is observed across India on 23 December, 2025 to recognise the role farmers play in keeping the country fed and functioning. From food security to rural livelihoods, agriculture sits at the centre of everyday life in India, even for those far removed from fields and harvest cycles. The day is about acknowledging a simple truth: without farmers, nothing else moves.

Photo Credit: Oneindia

The History Behind Kisan Diwas

Kisan Diwas marks the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh (1902-1987), India's fifth Prime Minister and one of the strongest political voices for farmers and rural India.

Charan Singh consistently argued that India's progress could not be built by ignoring its villages. His work focused on land reforms, dismantling the zamindari system, and shaping policies that supported small and marginal farmers.

In 2001, the Government of India officially declared 23 December as National Farmers' Day to recognise his lifelong contribution to agriculture.

The Significance Of Kisan Diwas 2025

Kisan Diwas highlights realities that continue to define India's economy and social fabric. Farmers ensure food reaches over a billion people, sustain rural livelihoods, and carry forward agricultural traditions tied closely to regional culture and seasons. The day also opens space for honest conversations around challenges like climate stress, rising input costs, and market access.

How Kisan Diwas Is Observed Across India

On Kisan Diwas, governments, institutions, and communities across the country organise programmes focused on awareness and engagement. These include seminars and workshops on agricultural development, policy discussions around sustainability, and campaigns that explain welfare schemes and new technologies.

Photo Credit: Oneindia

Schools and colleges host speeches, essays, and discussions to build respect for farming and rural life, while NGOs and community groups conduct outreach on farmer rights and sustainable practices. Some states also hold training camps, exhibitions, and demonstrations to encourage scientific and technology-led farming.

Key Government Schemes Supporting Farmers in 2025

Several central schemes continue to form the backbone of farmer support this year, focusing on income stability, risk management, and modernisation.

• PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi provides ₹6,000 annually to eligible farmers through direct bank transfers. In 2025, the 21st instalment reached over nine crore farmers, with payments crossing ₹18,000 crore.
• The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana offers affordable crop insurance against losses from natural disasters, pests, and diseases across crop cycles.
• Kisan Credit Cards ensure access to timely, low-interest credit for seeds, fertilisers, equipment, and allied farming activities.
• The Soil Health Card Scheme helps farmers understand soil nutrients and apply fertilisers more efficiently, reducing costs and improving yields.
• The Namo Drone Didi Scheme supports women-led self-help groups by promoting the use of agri-drones for precision spraying and farm services.
• Digital and agri-tech initiatives using AI, satellite data, and advisory platforms aim to improve productivity while managing climate risks.
• Irrigation efforts under PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana continue to expand water access and promote efficient usage.
• Farmer Producer Organisations help farmers strengthen collective marketing and bargaining power.

What States Have Been Doing For Farmers In 2025

• Alongside central schemes, state governments have rolled out targeted initiatives this year.
• Uttar Pradesh introduced low-interest loans at six percent under the Chief Minister Krishak Samriddhi Yojana to ease financial pressure on small farmers.
• Gujarat expanded its Kisan Suryodaya Yojana, working toward providing daytime electricity supply to farmers by March 2026.
• Chhattisgarh continued MSP-based paddy procurement, with payments exceeding ₹7,700 crore in the 2025-26 season.
• Rajasthan carried forward instalments and beneficiary updates under the CM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.

Kisan Diwas 2025 In Perspective

Photo Credit: Oneindia

Kisan Diwas 2025 brings together recognition and responsibility. It acknowledges farmers' contribution while focusing on practical support through income transfers, insurance, credit, infrastructure, and technology. The day reflects how deeply agriculture remains tied to India's present and future and why farmer-focused policies continue to matter.