Who was Cheruvayal Raman?

• Cheruvayal Raman, the Padma Shri award-winning tribal farmer from Keralam, passed away on October 14. He was 74.

• Raman, a native of Mananthavady in Wayanad district, was widely known for protecting indigenous rice varieties that were at risk of extinction. 

• Born on June 6, 1952, as Thalakkara Cheriya Raman, he began concentrating fully on farming at the age of 10 after completing his primary education.

• He followed traditional organic farming methods for decades and worked to pass on the region’s agricultural heritage to future generations.

• He followed traditional methods to store paddy seeds, exposing the harvested crop to sunlight and dew for a week before keeping the seeds in heated bamboo containers and baskets made of straw. 

• The method helped the seeds retain their ability to germinate for up to two years.

• He followed a seed-exchange system to help other farmers. Those who received seeds from him had to return the same quantity after the next cultivation season instead of paying money.

• In recognition of his contribution to conserving indigenous plant varieties and promoting environment-friendly farming, he was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2023.

• He had earlier received several honours, including the National Plant Genome Saviour Award in 2016.