Sarampalli Malla Reddy, Veteran Farmers' Leader and Agricultural Expert, Passes Away at 87

Sarampalli Malla Reddy, who had been associated with the agricultural sector since Independence, has passed away at the age of 87. Throughout his career, Reddy held key leadership positions in the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) and the Telangana Rythu Sangham, distinguishing himself through his reliance on empirical data to highlight the challenges faced by the farming community.

Often described as a walking encyclopaedia on Indian agriculture with a specific focus on Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Reddy authored hundreds of academic-standard articles. His understanding of the sector was rooted in direct, ground-level engagement with farmers and their daily struggles.

Whether addressing crop prices, agricultural credit, irrigation, land rights, tenant farmers, input costs, or the broader direction of agricultural policy, Reddy combined political conviction with extensive field experience. For journalists, researchers, and policymakers, he served as a vital resource, consistently providing relevant data points to support investigative and academic work.

News of his passing drew condolences from political figures and agricultural organizations. Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, alongside leaders from various farmers' associations and non-governmental organisations, expressed grief over his demise.

In an official statement, the AIKS noted, 'Reddy was known for his deep understanding of agriculture and the problems of the peasantry. His fight against monopolies and for irrigation projects reflects his strong ability to undertake concrete analysis.'

G V Ramanjaneyulu, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, paid tribute by highlighting his lifelong dedication. 'Malla Reddy garu belonged to a generation of leaders for whom farmers’ issues were not merely subjects for political debate. They were questions of livelihoods, dignity, justice and rights,' Ramanjaneyulu said. He added that Reddy spent decades working alongside farmers, agricultural labourers, and rural communities, remaining actively engaged with agrarian challenges across undivided Andhra Pradesh and later Telangana.

"The passing of Sarampalli Malla Reddy marks the loss of a foundational voice in Indian agriculture. His career demonstrates the critical value of combining grassroots field experience with rigorous, data-driven analysis when addressing complex economic and rural challenges. For entrepreneurs, policymakers, and business leaders operating in the agritech and rural sectors, Reddy's legacy underscores the importance of deeply understanding ground-level realities, livelihoods, and structural issues before designing solutions for the agricultural economy." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes