Tue Dec 24 06:34:18 UTC 2024: ## Modi Honors Farmers on Kisan Divas Amidst Ongoing Tensions

**Chandigarh, December 23** – Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to India’s farmers on National Farmers’ Day (Kisan Divas), commemorating the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh. His remarks, delivered virtually to over 71,000 new government employees, come amidst a continuing standoff between farmers and the central government over a range of demands, including the implementation of Minimum Support Prices (MSP).

Modi lauded Charan Singh, recently awarded the Bharat Ratna, for his contributions to rural development and farmer welfare. He highlighted the government’s initiatives aimed at boosting rural employment, including the GOBARDHAN scheme, e-NAM, and the 20% ethanol blending policy, which has benefitted the sugar sector. The Prime Minister also emphasized the creation of nearly 9,000 Farmer Producer Organisations and the construction of a vast granary network.

However, the celebrations occurred against the backdrop of a hunger strike by farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, now in its fourth week and reportedly in critical condition. Farmers continue to press for their 12-point charter of demands, which includes the key demand for MSP implementation. The ongoing tensions underscore the complex challenges facing India’s agricultural sector and the need for continued dialogue between the government and farming communities.

Read More