Kerala tribal farmer Cheruvayal Raman, guardian of indigenous rice varieties, dies at 74

Cheruvayal Raman, a custodian of Kerala's agricultural heritage, died on Tuesday, leaving behind a legacy of conservation and commitment to indigenous farming methods. The tribal farmer from Kerala had emerged as a prominent figure in efforts to preserve traditional rice cultivation and safeguard rare crop varieties facing extinction.

During his lifetime, Raman maintained a living collection of more than 45 indigenous rice varieties on his farmland, effectively transforming his holding into what experts described as a 'paddy gene bank.' His work drew attention to the importance of biodiversity in agriculture and the value of traditional knowledge systems in sustainable farming.

Raman's initiatives extended beyond mere preservation, as he actively promoted farming practices rooted in local traditions and environmentally conscious methods. His efforts resonated with policymakers and agricultural activists concerned about the erosion of India's crop diversity due to the dominance of high-yield hybrid varieties.

Prominently placed political figures, including Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, have acknowledged Raman's contributions to Kerala's agricultural landscape. His death marks the passing of a generation of farmers who served as living repositories of agricultural knowledge and practices developed over centuries in the region.