KOZHIKODE: Cheruvayal Raman, fondly known as 'Ramettan' and revered as the "Guardian of Native Paddy" and India's "living paddy gene bank," passed away at 74. A prominent voice of indigenous agro-biodiversity, Raman passed away while undergoing cardio-related treatment at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. His departure marks the end of an extraordinary era of grassroots conservation, leaving behind an incomparable legacy of traditional wisdom, ecological stewardship, and community resilience. Born in 1952 near Kammana village in Wayanad district, Cheruvayal Raman belonged to the Kurichy...