Amid standoff, Modi pays homage to annadatas on National Farmers’ Day
Amid the ongoing standoff between farmers and the Centre over several issues, including minimum support prices (MSP) for crops, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the National Farmers’ Day, popularly known as ‘Kisan Divas’, on Monday paid homage to the farmers, calling them country’s ‘annadata’(food provider).
The National Farmers’ Day is commemorated every year on December 23 on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh.
During his virtual address to over 71000 youth — who got their appointment letters during ‘Rozgar Mela’ held across 45 places in the country, Modi said, “Today marks the 122nd birth anniversary of Charan Singh. Our government is privileged to have honoured him with the Bharat Ratna this year. I pay my tributes to him. Today, we also celebrate Kisan Divas. On this occasion, I pay homage to the farmers.”
Charan Singh is widely credited for implementing several farmer-friendly measures, including land reforms. Modi’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions between farmers and the government over unresolved issues. Farmers have presented a charter of 12 demands, including the implementation of Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for crops, which they expect both Union and state governments to address. The address also coincides with farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s hunger strike, ongoing since November 26. Reports indicate his health is in a critical condition after nearly a month of fasting.
Quoting Charan Singh, Modi said, “Friends, Chaudhary sahib used to say that India will only progress when there is progress in its rural regions. Today, thanks to our government’s policies and decisions, new livelihood opportunities and numerous jobs are emerging in rural India.”
The PM highlighted that the agriculture sector has provided substantial employment opportunities to the youth, allowing them to pursue jobs they find fulfilling. He also detailed various government initiatives aimed at supporting rural communities, including the ‘GOBARdhan’ scheme and the ‘e-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM)’ scheme, which have created livelihoods for many.
Additionally, Modi mentioned that the government’s decision to blend 20 per cent ethanol has boosted employment in the sugar sector. He added that nearly 9,000 Farmer Producer Organisations were providing new markets for farmers and generating jobs in rural areas. He also emphasised the government’s ongoing project to build the world’s largest network of granaries, which is expected to create additional livelihood opportunities in rural India.
