In a resounding commemoration of courage and commitment, Pakistan celebrates its fifth Kissan Day as a heartfelt tribute to the unsung heroes of our nation—the farmers. These resilient individuals, faced with adversity, have not only transformed challenges into triumphs, but also showcased an indomitable spirit that has become the hallmark of celebrating Kissan Day. The journey embarked upon by these farmers symbolizes not just a recognition of their struggles but a collective commitment to transform obstacles into opportunities for growth and prosperity. This special day is also a testament to the inspirational stories of these farmers who, against all odds, have sown the seeds of resilience and reaped the fields of triumph.
Pakistan experienced one of its most devastating natural disasters last year, marked by severe flooding that wreaked havoc on nearly 33 million people in 94 districts across the country, especially in the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan. The impact was widespread, affecting families from all walks of life, with the agricultural sector bearing the brunt of the devastation. The floods caused damage to almost 4.4 million acres of crops and resulted in the loss of around 1 million animals. The overall financial toll of these floods was estimated at $30.13 billion, with the agricultural sector alone accounting for 43% of this amount, equating to $12.9 billion in losses.
Despite facing this formidable challenge, the nation’s farmers exhibited remarkable resilience, bouncing back with an impressive recovery that led to bumper crops this year. Fatima Fertilizer’s Salam Kissan campaign not only captures this inspirational journey of farmers but also pays a heartfelt tribute to the indomitable spirit of these farmers, who have turned adversity into triumph. This heartfelt tribute can be experienced by viewing the following video.
The journey of ‘Kissan Day’ began with a spark of inspiration from Fatima Fertilizer on December 18, 2019. It was a groundbreaking initiative, the first of its kind, aiming to honor and acknowledge the tireless efforts of Pakistani farmers nationwide. The vision was clear—to create a platform for farmers to voice their challenges and engage stakeholders and policymakers to discuss on how to resolve their issues most effectively.
The Federal Government also joined this visionary cause, officially recognizing December 18 as ‘Kissan Day’ to be celebrated annually. This was not only an achievement for Fatima Fertilizer; but also a triumph for the entire farming community of Pakistan. Since then, Kissan Day has not only helped to elevate the status of Pakistani farmers, but also highlighted their vital contributions towards Pakistan’s economic and social prosperity.
The commemoration of Kissan Day is a vital achievement of Fatima Fertilizer’s Salam Kissan initiative which is firmly rooted in the belief that the nation’s economic growth is closely linked to the progress and prosperity of its dedicated farmers. ‘Salam Kissan’ aspires to elevate the lives of these unsung heroes and harness the power of digital innovation and technology to modernize the agriculture sector. By doing so, it will also equip Pakistani farmers with essential resources, knowledge and assistance so they can not only help to maximize food production but also protect our national food security.
