Padma Shri Awarded to Farmer for Remarkable Conservation Efforts
In a remarkable recognition of his relentless commitment to preserving traditional rice varieties, Sathyanarayana Baleri, a farmer from Nettanige village in Kasaragod, Karnataka, has been honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award. This esteemed accolade, presented by the Union government alongside 33 other notable individuals on the eve of Republic Day 2024, highlights Sathyanarayana’s exceptional contributions to agricultural biodiversity.
What distinguishes Sathyanarayana’s achievement is his innovative approach to conserving 650 varieties of traditional paddy, despite facing challenges of unsuitable land conditions. Overcoming this hurdle, he ingeniously created a 25-cent artificial paddy field using tarpaulin and implemented unique farming techniques to cultivate diverse rice strains.
Sathyanarayana’s dedication extends beyond mere cultivation; he allocates a portion of his land to birds and rats, showcasing a holistic approach to biodiversity. Additionally, he grows other varieties in paper cups and bags, protected by nets, demonstrating an inventive method of sustainable farming.
Acknowledged by agricultural institutions such as the Agricultural University and the University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Sathyanarayana’s efforts have been instrumental in enriching breeding programs with his diverse paddy varieties. Furthermore, the Union Ministry of Agriculture honored him with the ‘Plant Genome Saviour Farmer Reward’ in November 2021, recognizing his tireless endeavors in conserving traditional rice strains.
Sathyanarayana’s journey into rice conservation began at the age of 18, driven by his passion for Rajakayame grains. Inspired by individuals like Ramachandra Rao and the father-son duo B. K. Devaraya and B. K. Parameshwara Rao, he embarked on a quest to preserve traditional rice varieties, traveling extensively across various regions to expand his gene bank through bartering and collecting.
Employing innovative farming techniques, Sathyanarayana sows grains in paper cups before transferring them to grow bags and finally to the tarpaulin-covered paddy field. This method not only conserves water but also maintains optimal moisture levels, ensuring successful cultivation.
Sathyanarayana’s unwavering dedication underscores the critical role of farmers in preserving agricultural diversity and promoting sustainable farming practices. His efforts not only safeguard biodiversity but also contribute to the resilience of agricultural ecosystems, laying a foundation for future generations to thrive.
