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Natural farming pioneer Narayana Reddy passes away

A committed champion of non-chemical farming, he had held classes for students even on Saturday and Sunday.

Bengaluru: One of the most prominent figures in natural farming, L. Narayana Reddy, passed away due to age-related complications at Marenahalli in Doddaballapura taluk on Monday. He was 83.

A committed champion of non-chemical farming, he had held classes for students even on Saturday and Sunday.

Inspired by Masanobu Fukuoka's “One Straw Revolution”, which was presented to him by a California-based tourist, he took to natural farming and there was no looking back for him. One Straw Revolution describes organic farming techniques.

Initially, he started off as a farmer using chemical pesticides, fertilisers and insecticides at his farm, and increasing his yields manifold. He even got a national award for his efforts, but he soon realised that he was deep in debts having spent money on expensive chemical compositions.

He completely stopped using chemicals, including pesticides, and decided to practice only organic and natural farming, a transition that was completed in 1979.

During one of his interactions, Mr Reddy recalled that it was the happiest moment of his life when Mr Fukuoka visited his farm at Varthur in 1988. The Japanese natural farming pioneer was brought by a local NGO to meet Mr Reddy. “I didn't know he was coming. My most valued teacher is Fukuoka. I got the gift of meeting him personally. You are lucky you have his book. Distribute it among your friends. His message is for entire humanity," he told students at Azim Premji University in Bengaluru in 2017.

He would grow several crops together in a sustainable manner. In 1992, representatives of the European Commission (EC) visited the farm and invited him to an agriculture seminar in Brussels, Belgium.

He was also honoured by Hampi Kannada University with the prestigious Nadoja award for his contribution to agriculture.

He is survived by his wife, three sons and eight grandchildren. The last rites will be held in Sorahunse village near Varthur in Bengaluru on Monday afternoon.

( Source : Deccan Chronicle. )
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