Narayana Reddy, a celebrated proponent of organic farming, was a well-known figure in organic farming circles across the world. Based in Bengaluru, Reddy was an icon who inspired and educated many in the essence of organic farming.
Narayana Reddy, a resident of Varthur in Bengaluru, was known as a fearless man who wanted farmers to be self-reliant in terms of everything. He used to conduct classes at his farm in Marenahalli, Doddaballapura taluk in Bengaluru Rural with a motive to spread organic farming. Over the years, he addressed a host of seminars and public meetings on the value and techniques of organic farming not just in India, but across the world. He was also known to grow several crops together in a sustainable manner. Reddy’s tryst with farming began when a California-based tourist introduced him to a book by Japanese organic farmer Masanobu Fukuoka. The book, titled One Straw Revolution, described the author’s journey and his organic farming techniques. It was then that Reddy stopped using chemicals on his farm and switched to organic and natural farming in 1979. After taking up organic farming, Reddy’s farm changed a lot in terms of growth and productivity. The coconut trees that used to yield 40 coconuts earlier, started producing 150 coconuts. In addition to coconuts, his farm has coffee, mulberry, guava, and chikoo plants, to name a few.
