World · South & Central Asia · 3 hrs ago
Padma Shri-winning seed conservationist Cheruvayal Raman dies at 74
Cheruvayal Raman, a conservationist of traditional rice seeds, has died at 74 while receiving treatment for age-related ailments in Kozhikode.
He was from Kammana in Wayanad, Kerala, and was known locally as “Nellachan,” or father of paddy.
At 17, he took responsibility for his family’s land and seeds, and spent his life preserving indigenous rice varieties.
He shared seeds with people who wanted them without charging any money.
His work helped preserve agricultural diversity and earned him several honors, including the Padma Shri in 2023.
He also received the State government’s first Oommen Chandy memorial award in 2025 for contributions to agriculture.
Cheruvayal Raman, a conservationist known for preserving traditional paddy seeds, died aged 74 on October 14, 2026.
He was receiving treatment at Kozhikode Medical College hospital for age-related ailments.
A native of Kammana in Wayanad, he was known locally as “Nellachan,” meaning “father of paddy.”
Raman preserved numerous traditional rice varieties and gave seeds to people without charge.
He received the Padma Shri in 2023 for his contributions to agrobiodiversity.
- Who
- Cheruvayal Raman, a traditional paddy seed conservationist and Padma Shri recipient.
- What
- He died aged 74.
- When
- October 14, 2026.
- Where
- Kozhikode Medical College hospital. He was a native of Kammana in Edavaka, Wayanad.
- Why
- He was undergoing treatment for age-related ailments; the cause of death was not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
After his uncle died, Raman took responsibility for his family’s agricultural land, livestock and traditional seeds.
He represented Kerala’s agricultural community at the International Conference on Biodiversity Conservation in Hyderabad.
Raman was conferred the Padma Shri.
He received the State government’s first Oommen Chandy memorial award.
Raman died aged 74 while receiving treatment at Kozhikode Medical College hospital.
- Age at death
- 74
- Hometown
- Kammana, Edavaka, Wayanad
- Padma Shri
- Conferred in 2023
- International participation
- Global conventions across 11 countries
- Seeds
- Preserved traditional rice varieties and provided seeds without charge