As India marks National Farmers Day today, the spotlight on farmers goes beyond speeches and tributes. From the fields of Karnataka’s Hosur to homes, churches and wedding venues in Kerala, farmers are quietly shaping a festive season that is turning rosy — and white — at the same time.

Why December 23 matters to India’s farmers

National Farmers Day, also known as Kisan Diwas, is observed every year on December 23 to honour farmers as the backbone of the nation. Farmers are often called annadaataas — the givers of food — reflecting their central role in India’s growth, economy and food security.

The day also marks the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, India’s fifth Prime Minister, remembered for his deep understanding of rural issues and consistent advocacy for farmers’ rights and welfare. The government formally recognised December 23 as National Farmers Day in 2001 to underline his legacy and the importance of agriculture to the country’s stability.

The observance serves as a reminder of both farmers’ contributions and the challenges they face, including fair pricing for produce, sustainable farming practices and the impact of climate change. It also seeks to raise awareness about government support systems such as subsidies, crop insurance and agricultural loans that aim to strengthen farmers’ resilience.

Earlier this year, former Prime Minister Charan Singh was posthumously conferred the Bharat Ratna, reinforcing his lasting association with India’s farming communit

From fields to festivities: Hosur’s seasonal shift

National Farmers Day coincides with a peak moment for flower growers in Karnataka’s Krishnagiri district.

According to a Times of India (TOI) report, farmers in Hosur and nearby regions are set to dispatch around two lakh flowers every day to Kerala in the run-up to Christmas, with shipments beginning from December 20. The focus this season is firmly on white flowers, especially white roses.

White roses hold a special place during Christmas, symbolising peace, reverence and new beginnings. They are widely used in church decorations, homes and wedding venues across Kerala. Along with white roses, farmers are also sending white japara flowers for stage decoration and white gypsophila for bouquets, TOI report said. 

The demand marks a clear shift from other festivals. During Onam, Hosur primarily supplies coloured flowers. Christmas, however, brings a strong preference for white.

To meet this seasonal surge, farmers have cultivated white roses on about 500 acres and coloured roses on nearly 1,000 acres, largely in greenhouses, the report noted. Areas such as Hosur, Thally, Kelamangalam, Berigai and Bagalur are well known for flower cultivation, supported by a cool climate and fertile soil.

The timing is crucial. Many Keralites living abroad return home for Christmas, and weddings typically follow between December 26 and January 10. For farmers, this narrow window can define a year’s earnings.

On National Farmers Day, these southbound truckloads of white blooms stand as a living reminder of how farmers connect regions, seasons and celebrations — quietly sustaining both tradition and livelihood.