The Seeds of Loss

In the rolling hills of Wayanad district in Kerala, there lives a man whose dedication to preserving our agricultural heritage knows no bounds. Cheruvayal Raman, a Kurchiya tribal farmer, has single-handedly conserved over 55 rare rice varieties on his small farm at Kammana.

Despite having no formal education in agriculture or botany, Cheruvayal Raman's love for nature and determination to preserve our cultural roots has earned him the title of the guardian of rare seeds. With his recent Padma Shri award, the fourth-highest civilian award in India, it is time the world heard the story of this remarkable man and his tireless efforts to protect the diversity of our food supply.

A guardian of rare seeds

In a world where modernization and globalization have taken centre stage, a silent tragedy is unfolding before our eyes - the loss of our natural seeds. With the increasing adoption of monoculture farming practices, we are losing not only the diversity of our crops but also our cultural heritage. The seeds that have sustained us for centuries, the foundations of our food supply, are disappearing at an alarming rate.

Cheruvayal Raman knows the importance of preserving these seeds all too well. He says, "We are losing our identity as a people with each seed that becomes extinct. The plants and animals that make up our ecosystems are vital to life on earth, and when we lose one, we lose a piece of the puzzle."

His passion for preserving natural seeds has led him on a personal mission to save as many as he can. He understands the significance of these seeds beyond just their role as food sources but also as a representation of our cultural heritage. "These seeds have been passed down through generations, each with its own story and significance. They are a part of our heritage, and we must preserve them for future generations."

The loss of our natural seeds is not just a problem in India but a global issue that requires immediate attention. Cheruvayal Raman says, "The soil is dying, our bodies are dying, and if we don't act now, the seeds that hold the key to our future will be lost forever." We must work together to protect the diversity of our food supply, to ensure a future where our children can continue to enjoy the flavours and traditions of their heritage.

The Battle to Preserve Rare Rice Varieties

Cheruvayal Raman has spent a lifetime battling to preserve over 55 rare rice varieties, despite facing numerous obstacles and opposition. Despite having no formal education in agriculture or botany, his passion for protecting the earth's natural resources and cultural heritage has driven him to become the guardian of these precious seeds.

For him, preserving these seeds is a battle not just for his generation but for future generations. He knows that if we do not act now, these valuable seeds will be lost forever, taking with them a wealth of cultural and biological diversity.

Despite facing numerous challenges in his quest to preserve these seeds, Cheruvayal Raman has never given up. He has faced opposition from those who see him as a madman and has struggled to find the resources and support he needs to continue his work.

He remains steadfast in his mission. He has dedicated his life to this cause. He will not rest until he has succeeded in preserving these seeds for future generations. He believes that if we are to ensure a sustainable future for ourselves and our planet, we must begin by safeguarding the seeds that give us life.

Through his tireless efforts, Cheruvayal Raman has inspired others, showing that one person can make a difference, no matter how small. He reminds us that our heritage, culture, and natural resources are worth fighting for and that the battle to preserve them must continue.

The Beauty of Traditional Agriculture

The beauty of traditional agriculture lies in its connection to the rhythms of nature. Cheruvayal Raman deeply appreciates this connection and the valuable lessons it offers.

He believes that traditional agriculture offers insights into sustainable farming practices that are often overlooked in our modern world. "There is a science to traditional agriculture, one that depends on the rhythms of nature - the six types of rain and the five types of wind. We must learn from this knowledge and integrate it into our modern farming practices," he says.

The loss of our natural seeds is a loss of our heritage. We must create a heritage village to preserve this traditional knowledge for future generations.

His connection to the rhythms of nature is evident in his approach to farming. "I farm barefooted, never having worn shoes. I only wear hand-woven clothes and sleep on hard ground as a testament to my Hindu heritage. Our Gods arose from an agricultural culture, and we must honour that heritage. It is through this connection to the earth that I can preserve over 55 rice varieties on my small farm," he says.

Preserving traditional agriculture and its practices is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and cultural identity.

The Raman Legacy

The life of a farmer is often thankless, marked by struggles and hardships. With irregular income, a lack of social benefits, and limited support from the government, it's no wonder that many farmers are struggling to make ends meet. Cheruvayal Raman has experienced these challenges firsthand.

He approaches farming with a holistic mindset, believing in the power of organic farming to preserve the health of the soil and crops and the well-being of the farmer and their community. "The green revolution may have increased yields, but at what cost? It destroyed the soil, air, and water we depend on for life. It's time to return to a more natural and sustainable approach to farming," he says.

The challenges faced by farmers, especially tribal farmers like Cheruvayal Raman, are a testament to the need for better treatment and support. "Farmers are never respected, and it's time for that to change," he says. "We should remember the farmer and their family before eating daily." It's time for us to recognize the importance of farming in our lives and work together to support and protect the farmers who sustain us.

Cheruvayal Raman remains hopeful and believes it is within the power of the public to change this.