June 24 is celebrated Peasant’s Day in Peru. Agricultural activity is an important sector in the economy, it is part of Peruvian culture and it is essential to feed millions of homes, especially in these times of fertilizer crisis. Do you know why else this day is celebrated?
MORE INFORMATION: Congress approves modifying Sierra y Selva Exportadora, which will now be called Agromercado
The men and women of the fields are in charge of planting and harvesting various products, with which they contribute to the economic, social and food development of the country.
Family farming is the basis of the economy of millions of people, mainly in the mountains and jungle, highlights the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri).
The participation of agriculture in the GDP is 7.3%. This, speaking of primary production activities and not the intersectoral links of these activities, according to a World Bank report called “Gathering momentum in Peruvian agriculture.”
WHY IS FARMER’S DAY CELEBRATED ON JUNE 24?
The Day of the Farmer was established by the then President of the Republic, General Juan Velasco, who promulgated the Agrarian Reform Law on June 24, 1969.
In its beginnings, the date was established as “Indian Day” by President Augusto B. Leguía, through a supreme decree, promulgated on May 23, 1930.
In this way, the work of the farmers as promoter and generator of agricultural wealth in the country and its efforts to keep its population fed.
Why was June 24 chosen?
Peasant’s Day was chosen on June 24, due to the meaning it had for Inca society, since it was the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere (maximum declination of the sun), a time to worship the god Inti at the Inti Raymi festival in Cusco and thank mother earth for the fruits (Pachamama).
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CELEBRATE FARMERS’ DAY
Next, important points and data about the Day of the Farmer.
- The peasant is the promoter and generator of agricultural wealth in the country and his efforts to keep his population fed.
- Agriculture was the main activity in the economy of the Peruvian ancestors.
- Agriculture, over time, has been important in Peruvian culture and history.
- It preserves traditions, techniques and ancestral knowledge of great validity in the 21st century.
- They allow contributing to the economic, social and food development of the country.
- Of the total agricultural households, 85% of them are led by men and the corresponding 15% by women.
WHEN IS PEASANT’S DAY CELEBRATED IN LATIN AMERICA?
These are the dates of celebration of the Day of the Farmer:
- Peru: June 24.
- Bolivia: August 2nd.
- Colombia: June 2nd.
- Cuba: may 17th.
- Venezuela: March 5th.
- Mexico: April 17th.
- Chili: 28 of July.
