Seeds of Ecocentrism: The Sustainable Farming Practices of Cheruvayal Raman

Abstract

The principles of ecocentrism are seen through the practice of sustainable farming by Cheruvayal Raman, a traditional farmer from Kerala (Wayanad). As a philosophy which values nature for its own sake, ecocentrism presents an alternative mode of governance that encapsulates environmental problems and human solutions within a single framework. Nicknamed the "Guardian of Seeds," Raman has spent a lifetime saving native rice strains and planting with nature (not against it), working within his environment's ecological limits. The study highlights Raman's farming practices based on traditional knowledge and community participation leading to biodiversity conservation, improvement in soil health and sustainable resource utilization. The article highlights the qualitative aspect of research, such as fieldwork (i.e., observations and interviews) or literature reviews. Through an ecocentric interpretation of Raman practices, the paper emphasises that traditional farming has a lesson for how agriculture could be practiced sustainably even in present times when humanity is staring at various environmental challenges. Our results indicate that by adhering to ecocentric principles within agriculture, not only do we help maintain ecological integrity but also cultural legacy, cultivating a deep-rooted relationship between ourselves and the nature.