Padma Shri farmer Cheruvayal Raman, Wayanad's 'Nellachan' who conserved native paddy seeds, passes away
Cheruvayal Raman, the Padma Shri (2023) tribal farmer from Wayanad, Kerala, known as 'Nellachan' for conserving traditional paddy varieties, died on 14 October 2026 in Kozhikode.
Summary
Cheruvayal Raman, a Kurichya tribal farmer from Wayanad, Kerala, renowned for conserving indigenous paddy seed varieties, died on 14 October 2026 while undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. Known as 'Nellachan' (father of paddy/rice), he grew many traditional rice varieties and shared seeds with farmers instead of selling them. He received the Padma Shri in 2023 and the Plant Genome Saviour award, and presented his work at international forums including in Brazil. Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan called him a guardian and gene bank of rare paddy varieties.
Key facts
- Person
- Cheruvayal Raman
- Died
- 14 October 2026, Kozhikode Medical College Hospital
- From
- Wayanad district, Kerala (Kurichya tribe)
- Known as
- 'Nellachan' — father of paddy/rice
- Work
- Conservation of traditional paddy seed varieties; free seed sharing
- Honours
- Padma Shri (2023); Plant Genome Saviour award
- Tribute
- Kerala CM V.D. Satheesan
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Cheruvayal Raman, who died in October 2026, was known for conserving:
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Traditional paddy seed varieties
Padma Shri awardee Cheruvayal Raman, who died on 14 October 2026, belonged to which district of Kerala?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Wayanad
In which year was Cheruvayal Raman conferred the Padma Shri?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 2023