Introduction: A Forgotten Grain, A New Hope
In a world obsessed with hybrid seeds, chemical farming, and fast profits, few dare to walk the harder path of patience, purity, and preservation. But P. Narayanan Unny from Chittur, Palakkad, is not just any farmer—he is the man who gave Kerala back its ancient treasure: Navara Rice.
Once on the brink of extinction, Navara—a rare medicinal rice variety listed in ancient Ayurveda texts—owes its survival to this quiet revolutionary. His journey is not just about rice; it’s about hope, heritage, and how one determined farmer can inspire an entire generation to look at farming differently.
The Turning Point: From Boardroom to Paddy Field
- Narayanan Unny was not born into farming dreams. A commerce graduate, he ran a successful business in Dubai’s tech and pharmaceutical sector. Life was comfortable. But a calling pulled him back to his ancestral land in Palakkad—a desire to reconnect with his roots and save a crop his family once proudly cultivated.
That crop was Navara. Once grown in the lush fields of Kerala, Navara was vanishing, replaced by faster, higher-yield varieties. But Unny refused to let this sacred grain disappear.
The 5-Year Battle to Save a Seed
Reviving Navara was no easy feat. It took 5 painstaking years of seed selection and purification. Out of hundreds of mixed and impure seeds, Unny and his team carefully nurtured the pure strain that matched the original Ayurveda-described Navara.
They switched completely to organic farming methods, ensuring the rice retained its medicinal properties. Navara needed no artificial boosters—its strength was in its genes.
Unny even applied for and secured a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Navara, safeguarding its identity for the future. This not only protected the rice variety legally but also increased its market value.
Creating the Navara Farmers Society: Strength in Community
Unny understood that farming success is not built alone. He founded the Navara Farmers Society, uniting over 60 local farmers to adopt Navara cultivation. Together they shared seeds, wisdom, and organic practices. This cooperative approach allowed small farmers to access training, better seeds, and premium markets.
Unny also created a seed bank, ensuring Navara’s pure variety would never be lost again.
The Birth of UNF Brand: Taking Navara to the World
Realizing the need for market value, Unny launched the UNF (Unny Navara Farm) brand. This was not just rice—it was a medicinal, high-value health product. Sold directly to Ayurveda centers, wellness resorts, and health-conscious customers across India and abroad, Navara’s price skyrocketed compared to normal rice.
Navara’s benefits include:
- Rich in antioxidants
- Boosts immunity
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Aids digestion and anemia treatment (as per Ayurvedic texts)
Each kilo could fetch ₹300-₹500 or more—far beyond regular paddy prices.
Navara Eco Farm: A Living Classroom
Unny’s farm is now a learning center and eco-tourism spot, attracting students, scientists, and curious visitors eager to understand sustainable and organic farming. Here, visitors learn not just how to grow Navara, but why such crops are crucial for the planet’s health.
Global Recognition: Kerala’s Rice Ambassador
Unny’s work gained global appreciation:
- FAO & International forums invited him to present the Navara model.
- Collaborations with Ayurveda research centers flourished.
- His model of “Traditional Crop Revival” is now cited as a way to secure food heritage worldwide.
What Can Young Farmers Learn from Unny’s Story?
- Forgotten Crops = New Markets
Traditional grains like Navara have untapped value—not just for food, but for medicine, tourism, and education.
- Patience Pays Off
Unny’s success took years, but now it offers sustainable, premium returns unmatched by chemical-dependent farming.
- Community + Certification = Power
A farmer alone struggles. But a society of farmers, backed by certifications like GI, can build lasting market confidence.
The Vayonadha Takeaway: Why This Story Matters to You
At Vayonadha, we believe Unny’s journey is the perfect example of what “New Age Farming” must become:
- Local crops, global reach.
- Young farmers, ancient wisdom.
- Sustainable practices, premium profits.
We encourage our young readers and farmers to explore:
- Forgotten grains and native plants in their region.
- Organic and certified farming methods.
- Forming buddy systems with experienced mentors.
Closing Note: Be the Next Farming Hero
Just like Unny revived Navara, you can revive something valuable in your village, your field, your land. Vayonadha is here to support you—with knowledge, networks, and inspiration.
🌿 Do you know a farming hero in your area? Let us know, and we’ll feature them next!
