Cheruvayal Raman, celebrated as a guardian of traditional agricultural heritage and indigenous rice varieties in Kerala, passed away at the age of 74. Affectionately called Ramettan, he dedicated decades of his life to protecting native seeds and keeping ancient tribal farming traditions alive in the Wayanad region.
Condolence Message From Rahul Gandhi
Sharing his grief on social media, Rahul Gandhi expressed sorrow over the passing of the respected conservationist. He noted that Cheruvayal Raman devoted his entire life to preserving Wayanad's indigenous paddy seeds and protecting generational tribal wisdom. Extending heartfelt sympathy to the community, he stated that he joins the people of Wayanad in mourning their beloved Ramettan.
The Life and Legacy of Cheruvayal Raman
Cheruvayal Raman stood as a central figure in indigenous farming, having spent his lifetime collecting, multiplying, and freely distributing rare native paddy seeds. At a time when modern agriculture turned heavily toward hybrid crops, he worked tirelessly to sustain biodiversity and ecological farming practices rooted in local heritage. In recognition of this extraordinary dedication to agriculture and community welfare, he was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2023.
Public Reaction
News of his demise brought widespread tributes across online platforms, with citizens hailing him as an unsung hero who safeguarded India's agricultural diversity. Alongside messages of peace and respect, several commentators noted the urgent need to formally document and preserve the vast indigenous agricultural knowledge he championed throughout his life.
