A Farmer’s True Friend: Remembering Prof. Raj Kumar Raju, the Scientist Who Championed Himachal’s Farmers
The farming communities of Himachal Pradesh have lost a guiding light with the passing of Prof. Raj Kumar Raju, a beloved agricultural scientist from Mandi’s Deodhar region. Known for his unwavering dedication to small and marginal farmers, Prof. Raju wasn’t just a researcher—he was a voice for those who toil in the fields.
Himachal Kisan Sabha and Himachal Gyan Vigyan Samiti mourned his loss, remembering him as a visionary who tirelessly worked to uplift farmers. During his tenure at Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Agriculture University, Palampur, he didn’t just stay confined to labs—he stepped into farms, listened to farmers, and fought for their rights.
A Lifelong Advocate for Fair Prices & Farmer Prosperity
Prof. Raju firmly believed that farmers deserved more than just sympathy—they needed fair prices, better processing facilities, and freedom from middlemen’s exploitation. He pushed for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and dreamed of turning maize into Himachal’s biggest cash crop. His research even included an ambitious plan to develop 32 value-added products from maize, ensuring farmers could earn more from their harvest.
“He wasn’t just a scientist; he was a problem-solver for farmers,” said Dr. Kuldeep Singh Tanwar, State President of Himachal Kisan Sabha. “It’s heartbreaking that governments never took his ideas seriously. Had they acted, our farmers would be in a much stronger position today.”
A Mentor Beyond Academia
Beyond policies, Prof. Raju had a personal touch. During Himachal’s literacy campaigns, he urged the Gyan Vigyan Samiti to educate farmers on how maize could transform their earnings. Dr. Om Prakash Bhureta and Satyawan Pundir recalled how he always encouraged practical solutions over empty promises.
The Best Tribute? Continuing His Legacy
As the farming community grieves, Dr. Tanwar put it best: “The real way to honor Prof. Raju is to fight for what he believed in—fair prices, farmer empowerment, and a self-reliant agricultural economy.”
For Himachal’s farmers, Prof. Raju wasn’t just a name in a headline—he was a true friend. And though he’s gone, his ideas must live on.
