Celebrating a Seed Saviour
Statue of Nel Jayaraman to be Installed in Thiruthuraipoondi: The Government of Tamil Nadu has declared that a statue of the late Nel Jayaraman, a key figure in the preservation of native paddy seeds, will soon be inaugurated at Thiruthuraipoondi in Tiruvarur district. This announcement marks an official tribute to his remarkable role in championing natural farming practices.
Jayaraman dedicated his life to reviving traditional rice varieties, playing a pivotal role in restoring more than 170 indigenous strains that were fading from local cultivation.
A Government Salute to Agricultural Heritage
The project to honour Jayaraman’s legacy is led by the State Agriculture Department and is seen as a public acknowledgment of his work in ecological farming. This initiative aims to motivate present and future generations to reconnect with age-old farming wisdom and seed conservation.
Static GK fact: The Cauvery delta, where Thiruthuraipoondi is situated, is one of India’s most fertile agricultural belts, known for paddy farming.
Lifelong Mission of Conservation
Inspired by Nammalvar, a pioneer in organic agriculture, Jayaraman took up the cause of seed saving in the early 2000s. He was the force behind Tamil Nadu’s well-known paddy seed festivals, events that brought together farmers to celebrate and exchange traditional rice seeds without the use of chemical inputs.
Through these events, he created a farmer-based network for seed sharing and ecological farming education, encouraging the use of native varieties that are both nutritious and climate-resilient.
Static GK fact: Tamil Nadu has played a major role in the promotion of natural and organic farming systems in India.
A Symbol for Future Generations
The planned statue is envisioned not only as a commemorative structure but also as a permanent reminder of how farmers can lead grassroots innovation. Located in a region deeply associated with agriculture, the statue reflects the respect given to those who protect biodiversity.
The government also plans to document his work through educational content, particularly for agriculture students and training programmes across the state.
Nationally Recognised Contribution
Before passing away in 2018, Jayaraman received national attention for his seed revival efforts. He was honoured with the Plant Genome Saviour Award by India’s agricultural ministry in recognition of his contribution to conserving native plant species.
His movement continues through collectives and farmer-led initiatives focused on traditional seed propagation, especially across South Indian farming communities.
Static GK Tip: The Plant Genome Saviour Award is presented by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA) to honour efforts in conserving plant genetic resources.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Statue of Nel Jayaraman to be Installed in Thiruthuraipoondi:
| Fact | Detail |
| Statue Location | Thiruthuraipoondi, Tiruvarur district |
| Person Honoured | Nel Jayaraman |
| Known For | Revival of 174 traditional paddy varieties |
| Government Body Involved | Tamil Nadu Agriculture Department |
| Inspired By | G Nammalvar |
| Key Movement | Nel Thiruvizha (Seed Festival) |
| Award Received | Plant Genome Saviour Award (2015) |
| Regional Importance | Cauvery Delta – Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu |
| Agricultural Method Promoted | Organic farming, SRI |
| Legacy Efforts | Seed banks, curriculum inclusion, farmer awareness |
