Kisan Diwas 2020: In the backdrop of ongoing farmers’ agitation against the newly introduced farm laws, the country is observing National Farmer's Day today. National Farmers' Day is celebrated on December 23 every year to raise awareness around the farming community and reward farmers for their contribution towards the society.

This day also coincides with the birth anniversary of the fifth Prime Minister of India, Choudhary Charan Singh. Born on December 23, 1902, Choudhary Charan Singh remained the prime minister between July 1979 and January 1980. During his short tenure as prime minister, he worked extensively for the welfare of Indian farmers.

In 2001, the government decided to mark Charan Singh's birth anniversary as Kisan Diwas. Chaudhary Charan Singh also promoted the famous slogan - "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" which was coined for the farmers by Lal Bahadur Shastri, the second Prime Minister of India.

Here is why the day holds significance for India

India is primarily an agricultural based economy, and is the largest source of livelihoods in India. Almost 70 percent of the rural households still depend on agriculture for livelihood. It is cleat that the farmers are the backbone of Indian society and play a major role in the economic development of the country.

In India, every year especially states which are actively engaged in farming celebrate this day at a bigger scale. Some of the sates include Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh among others.

The day is also dedicated to the farming community and efforts are made to educate farmers about issues pertaining to them besides empowering them with the latest technology and development in the agricultural sector.

Also Read: Farmers' Protest: Agitators To Observe Half-Day Fast On 'Kisan Diwas' Today, Decision On Further Talks With Centre Likely

Here are popular quotes on National Farmers' Day 2020

To a farmer dirt is not a waste, it is wealth.-Amit Kalantri

"If agriculture goes wrong, nothing else will have a chance to go right in the country." -M. S. Swaminathan

When tillage begins, other arts follow. The farmers, therefore, are the founders of human civilization.-Daniel Webster

"A farmer is a magician who produces money from the mud."

If the farmer is rich, then so is the nation.

Life on a farm is a school of patience; you can't hurry the crops or make an ox in two days. -Henri Alain