Archive · 12 Aug 2025
'Nekal': Documentary Highlights Farmer's Legacy
A new movie called 'Nekal' is about Cheruvayal Raman, a farmer who grows many types of rice.
He is from a tribe in India and keeps old traditions alive.
The movie shows how he takes care of different seeds and teaches others.
The filmmaker, M.K. Ramdas, took a long time to make the movie, watching the farmer's work carefully.
The movie also discusses how big companies are taking over seeds, which is a big change.
'Nekal' reminds us that it's important to remember where things come from, like seeds, and to share them.
Documentary 'Nekal' profiles Cheruvayal Raman, a tribal farmer from Wayanad.
The film showcases Raman's preservation of over 60 native paddy seed varieties.
Filmmaker M.K. Ramdas spent five years creating the documentary.
'Nekal' received a Special Mention at the 71st National Film Awards.
The film highlights the shift of seed control from farmers to corporations.
- Who
- Cheruvayal Raman, a tribal farmer, and M.K. Ramdas, the filmmaker.
- What
- A documentary about Cheruvayal Raman, a tribal farmer preserving indigenous rice varieties.
- When
- The documentary was made over five years and received a Special Mention at the 71st National Film Awards.
- Where
- The documentary focuses on a farmer in Wayanad, India.
- Why
- To document the life of a farmer preserving agricultural heritage and to highlight the shift in seed control.
Farmers' Perspective
Corporate Perspective
Seed Control
Farmers' Perspective
Farmers traditionally controlled and shared seeds.
Corporate Perspective
Corporations are taking over control of seeds.
- Film Title
- 'Nekal'
- Subject
- Cheruvayal Raman
- Occupation
- Tribal Farmer
- Location
- Wayanad, India
- Seed Varieties Preserved
- Over 60
- Filmmaker
- M.K. Ramdas
- Award
- Special Mention at 71st National Film Awards