Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod
Kasargod, Jun 14: The extraordinary agricultural achievements of Padma Shri awardee Satyanarayana Beleri have now been included in the class 4 Kannada language textbook in Kerala. Beleri's dedicated work in preserving paddy varieties and his tireless journey through villages meeting expert farmers and visiting agricultural service centers has earned him this honour.
The Kannada textbook features an article penned by writer and professor Narendra Rai Derla, highlighting Beleri’s significant contribution to agriculture. His achievement being a part of school curriculum has become a matter of pride. Notably, Beleri has preserved over 650 varieties of paddy under one roof, a feat that stands as a unique and inspiring example.
Over a decade and a half ago, he began his journey by collecting a handful of seeds of the ‘Rajakayame’ variety from Cherkady Ramachandra Rai. That marked the beginning of his mission to conserve paddy varieties. Since then, he has successfully preserved more than 650 paddy varieties, including rare and endangered types.
His collection includes traditional Indian varieties as well as those from Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Japan, Indo-America, and other countries. Each year, he distributes around 200 to 300 varieties free of cost to agricultural universities and farmers.
What began as a solo effort out of personal satisfaction has today evolved into a significant paddy repository. His collection includes rare and traditional varieties such as Rajakayame, Gandhasale, Atikara, Suggikayame, Navara, Rajamudi and Rajabhoga used by Mysore royalty, as well as saltwater-resistant Kagga, drought-resistant Putta, and Swarata used for avalakki (beaten rice). His conservation covers most varieties from across India.
Through dedicated efforts, he has managed to preserve varieties that were on the verge of extinction. Beleri emphasized, “Without paddy, life is impossible.” He added that including this topic in school textbooks will inspire not only students but also others to recognize the importance of paddy conservation. “It will help raise awareness among children and educate future generations on the significance of paddy in sustaining life,” said Padma Shri Satyanarayana Beleri.