Indigenous Paddy Varieties for Future Generations
Today was a truly remarkable day. I had the privilege of visiting the farm of an extraordinary man — Netra Nanda Lenka, an 84-year-old farmer from Patraput village, Jeypore Block, in the scenic Koraput District of Odisha. As I walked through his lush green fields, surrounded by rows of carefully nurtured paddy plants, I realized I was not just on a farm. I was walking through a living seed bank, a treasure trove of agricultural biodiversity that this humble man has preserved with unshakable dedication for over four decades.
A Farmer, A Scientist, A Guardian of Seeds:
Born in 1950, Shri Lenka is no ordinary farmer. In an era dominated by hybrid seeds and chemical-intensive agriculture, he has stood firm with his principles, conserving 278 indigenous landraces of paddy, each with its own story, character, and resilience.
Every single variety he grows is meticulously documented. Each has a unique identification number, and he keeps detailed records of their traits — yield, panicle length, and tiller count, all monitored with the precision of a scientist. His systematic method involves growing each variety in a 1 metre by 1 metre plot, with 25 plants per block.
He does all of this single-handedly. No external funding. Just pure passion and a profound commitment to future generations.
“If climate change wipes out certain varieties, these traditional seeds will bring them back. I am preserving them not for me, but for the future,” he says with quiet conviction.
The Scented Jewels of His Collection:
Among his 278 paddy landraces, 14 are scented varieties — a true rarity in today’s standardized farming systems. Of these, the most fragrant is Sita Bhog, followed closely by Kala Jeera and Gobinda Bhog. These are not just grains; they are cultural heirlooms with unique aromas and culinary significance in Odisha and beyond.
One cannot help but be amazed by how he nurtures them with zero chemical inputs, ensuring their genetic purity and original flavour profile are preserved.
A Yield Story Worth Noting:
Modern agriculture often equates productivity with chemicals. Shri Lenka defies that myth with living proof. One of his conserved varieties, Bayabhanda, yields a staggering 40–45 quintals per acre — and that too without any chemical fertilizers.
Using the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method, he achieves a yield of 20 quintals per acre from Kala Jeera, a traditionally low-yielding but high-value aromatic variety.
His secret? Purely organic inputs.
- Vermicompost – 3 quintals per acre, prepared by himself
- Organic pest repellents made from cow dung and cow urine
- No UREA, no DAP, no potash — not even a trace
“I always tell farmers – don’t run after chemical fertilizers. Keep cows and follow cow-based organic farming. It will restore the soil and your health,” he advises.
He is a living example of how ecological farming can be both economically viable and environmentally sustainable.
Related Post: Netrananda Lenka: A Beacon of Innovation in Patraput, Jeypore
30 to 70 Tillers Per Plant – The Power of Organic Farming:
Perhaps the most stunning aspect of his technique is the number of tillers per plant — ranging from 30 to 70. Most chemical-dependent farmers would consider 20 tillers a good number. This level of tillering translates directly into more grain per plant and a much better harvest, all while nurturing the soil, not exploiting it.
Beyond Rice – Crop Rotation and Multi-Cropping Wisdom:
Shri Lenka’s wisdom extends far beyond rice. He follows a crop rotation system that not only ensures food security but also improves soil health.
Once the paddy is harvested by late October or early November, he immediately plants mustard in the same field. By the time mustard flowers, he prepares seedlings for pumpkins. His system is so efficient that in one acre, he grew 1000 pumpkins last year, yielding an impressive 23 metric tonnes.
- Cost of production: ₹62,000 per acre
- Gross income: ₹2,00,000 (sold 20 tonnes @ ₹10/kg)
- Net profit: ₹1,40,000 from just one acre (approx.)
“I fed 3 tonnes to my cows. The rest I sold in the local market. No middlemen. No waste,” he says with a smile.
The 3-G Cutting Method for Pumpkin Cultivation:
His success in pumpkin farming is attributed to his unique ‘3-G cutting method’, a technique he developed through observation and experience. This method ensures that each plant yields around 20 kg of pumpkins — a remarkable achievement by any standard.
It is not just innovation; it is innovation rooted in tradition, guided by nature, and validated by results.
An Advocate for Soil Health and Indigenous Wisdom:
Shri Lenka is vocal about the dangers of chemical farming.
“Excessive use of chemicals is slowly killing our soils. Once soil becomes infertile, no amount of fertilizers will help,” he warns.
His message is simple yet powerful:
- Preserve traditional seeds
- Nurture soil with organic inputs
- Avoid chemical shortcuts
- Practice cow-based farming
- Think long-term, not just season-to-season
A Living Legend, An Unsung Hero:
In a world that often celebrates quick profits and shortcuts, Netra Nanda Lenka represents slow, patient, meaningful agriculture. He may not have formal scientific degrees, but his work is nothing short of agricultural science in action.
- He’s not just growing rice. He’s growing resilience.
- He’s not just preserving seeds. He’s preserving heritage.
- He’s not just farming. He’s inspiring generations.
Why Youth and Farmers Must Learn From Him:
As India grapples with climate change, soil degradation, and loss of native seeds, the story of Shri Lenka offers a blueprint for sustainable agriculture. Youth, researchers, policymakers, and fellow farmers have much to learn from this octogenarian farmer-scientist.
His farm is not just a piece of land. It’s a living classroom.
His life is not just a story. It’s a lesson in sustainability, resilience, and hope.
Final Thoughts:
Walking through Shri Lenka’s fields was like traveling back in time and into the future — at once rooted in tradition and filled with foresight. His work embodies the soul of Bharatiya Krishi Parampara (Indian traditional farming), and his message is more relevant today than ever.
As I left his farm, the sun was setting behind the hills of Koraput, casting a golden hue over the ripened fields. I knew I had witnessed something extraordinary — the work of one man shaping the destiny of agriculture, one seed at a time.
Key Takeaways for Farmers and Agri-Enthusiasts:
- Conserve indigenous seed varieties — they are climate-resilient.
- Use organic farming methods for better soil health and profitability.
- Adopt SRI (System of Rice Intensification) for improved rice yield.
- Use cow dung and cow urine-based pest repellents as natural alternatives.
- Practice crop rotation for sustainable land use.
- Focus on knowledge sharing and documentation.
Inspired? Visit Him or Share His Story!
If you’re a young farmer, student, or policymaker interested in agro-biodiversity, organic farming, or traditional seed conservation, visit Shri Netra Nanda Lenka’s farm in Patraput, Jeypore Block, Koraput District, Odisha. You will leave not just informed, but deeply inspired.
“I may not live forever,” he says, “but these seeds will.”
Author: Tapas Chandra Roy, Block Agriculture Officer, DA&FE, Govt. of Odisha. Documenting and disseminating success stories of farmers to inspire millions of farmers across India.
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