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Politics The Hindu National Politics • Oct 15, 2026

Cheruvayal Raman Passes Away at 74: Padma Shri Awardee and Indigenous Rice Conservationist Laid to Rest with State Honours

💡 Key Takeaways

•Padma Shri awardee Cheruvayal Raman passed away at 74 due to a heart ailment in Kozhikode.
•Popularly known as 'Nellachan', he successfully conserved over 50 rare indigenous rice varieties.
•His final rites were performed with full State honours in Kerala, drawing tributes from across the nation.

NEW DELHI [NCRBuzz Wire] — **Renowned tribal farmer and Padma Shri recipient Cheruvayal Raman, affectionately known as 'Nellachan' for his relentless dedication to preserving indigenous rice varieties, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 74 while undergoing treatment for a heart-related ailment at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital.** The veteran conservationist had spent decades maintaining a vast gene bank of traditional paddy seeds in Wayanad, Kerala, inspiring generations of organic farmers and environmental scientists alike.

### Funeral and State Honours

**The mortal remains of Cheruvayal Raman were laid to rest with full State honours, reflecting his immense contribution to India's agricultural heritage and biodiversity.** Dignitaries, local administrators, and political leaders cutting across party lines gathered to pay their respects to the legendary agrarian icon. State officials confirmed that his final rites were conducted in accordance with protocol, acknowledging his monumental role in safeguarding vanishing crop genetic resources.

### Legacy of Indigenous Conservation

**Operating out of his native district in Wayanad, Cheruvayal Raman conserved over 50 rare and indigenous rice varieties on his farmland without relying on commercial chemical inputs.** His conservation model served as a living laboratory for researchers, students, and policymakers studying sustainable farming and climate-resilient agriculture. The Union Government had previously conferred upon him the Padma Shri in recognition of his selfless service to environmental preservation and traditional knowledge systems.

| Memorial Aspect | Details |

|---|---|

| Name | Cheruvayal Raman ('Nellachan') |

| Age | 74 Years |

| Key Contribution | Conservation of 50+ Indigenous Rice Varieties |

| Recognitions | Padma Shri Awardee |

| Final Rites | Kozhikode, Kerala (With State Honours) |

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🏛️ Background Context

Cheruvayal Raman's life work represents a critical bulwark against agricultural homogenization and the loss of agrobiodiversity in India. By maintaining traditional seeds without patent restrictions, he championed open-source agrarian autonomy and climate resilience.

💡 Citizen & Commuter Quick Explainer (FAQ)

Q1: What happened to Cheruvayal Raman?

The 74-year-old Padma Shri awardee passed away on Wednesday while undergoing treatment for a heart ailment at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital.

Q2: Why was he widely celebrated as 'Nellachan'?

He earned the moniker for dedicating his life to conserving over 50 rare and indigenous rice varieties on his farmland in Wayanad.

Q3: How was his final tribute conducted?

His mortal remains were laid to rest with full State honours in Kerala, with participation from government officials, leaders, and agricultural experts.

Verified Wires: The Hindu National Politics Original Wire Dispatch ↗

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