Cheruvayal Raman, a celebrated tribal farmer and Padma Shri award recipient, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 74. He was undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, as reported by news agency, citing family sources. Raman was widely recognised for his efforts in preserving indigenous rice varieties in Kerala and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Born on June 6, 1952, in Kammanam, Mananthavady, Cheruvayal Raman belonged to the Kurichiya community in Wayanad district. His dedication to agriculture began at a young age, as he started farming at just ten years old. Despite being offered a government position at the Kannur District Medical Office in 1969, he chose to pursue his passion for farming instead.

Raman was often referred to as a “living paddy gene bank,” cultivating over 45 traditional rice varieties on his three-acre farm. His efforts included preserving aromatic varieties like Gandhakashala and the red-grained Thondi. He actively distributed seeds to fellow farmers and advocates of conservation, emphasising the importance of maintaining these indigenous crops for future generations.

Recognition and Awards

In 2023, Raman was awarded the Padma Shri for his significant contributions to the conservation of indigenous plant varieties and the promotion of environmentally friendly farming. His commitment to sustainable agriculture also earned him the Genome Saviour Award in 2016. Raman represented Kerala at an international biodiversity conservation conference in Hyderabad in 2011, where he shared insights with participants from 11 countries.

Raman was a strong proponent of chemical-free farming, advocating for traditional methods that protect soil health and biodiversity. His farm served as an educational resource for students, farmers, and visitors interested in Kerala’s agricultural heritage. His legacy includes a commitment to preserving native seeds and traditional agricultural practices.

His passing has elicited tributes from various political leaders, including Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who expressed their condolences on social media. They acknowledged his lifelong dedication to preserving indigenous paddy seeds and his impact on the local community.

Reactions from Political Leaders

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, shared his sorrow on X, stating, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Padma Shri Cheruvayal Raman, our beloved Ramettan. He devoted his life to preserving Wayanad’s indigenous paddy seeds, keeping generations of Adivasi knowledge alive.” He extended his heartfelt condolences to Raman’s family and the people of Wayanad.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also paid tribute, recalling her personal connection with Raman. She described how he affectionately called her his daughter and expressed her sadness over missing a recent opportunity to visit him. In her post, she highlighted his wisdom and commitment to improving the lives of his community, stating, “He was a genius in his knowledge of paddy and agriculture.”

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan also expressed his condolences, recognising Raman as a guardian of rare traditional paddy varieties. He praised Raman’s lifelong dedication to agriculture, stating that his journey served as an inspiration for many students and researchers. Satheesan described Raman as a noble soul who truly understood the value of nature and agriculture.

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