Navara Eco Farm (NEF), located on the serene banks of the "Shokanashini" (destroyer of sorrows) River in Chittur, Palakkad District, Kerala, is a remarkable testament to sustainable agriculture and conservation. This family-run farm, with a legacy spanning over a century, is currently managed by Mr. P. Narayanan Unny, a third-generation farmer dedicated to preserving the unique rice varieties of Kerala.

The farm's journey began with Mr. Unny's father, Shri M. Ramachandra Menon (MRC Menon), who managed the farm for sixty years, systematically developing it alongside his elder brother, Shri M. Kelukutty Menon, one of the first Rice Specialists at the Rice Research Station in Pattambi. This combination of scientific expertise and practical farming experience laid the foundation for the farm's growth.

After taking over the farm in 1995, Mr. Unny embarked on a long-term plan that focused on cultivating specialty rice varieties, converting the farm into an integrated one, and adopting organic farming methods. His efforts also addressed biodiversity, ecology, environmental, and conservation issues, making NEF a leader in sustainable agriculture.

The entire farm has been certified organic since 2006, and Mr. Unny has played a pivotal role in forming rice clusters for Navara and Palakkadan Matta varieties, leading to their registration as Geographical Indications. Navara and Palakkadan Matta were among the first agricultural products in India to achieve this status through farmer-led initiatives. For his efforts in conserving Navara, Mr. Unny was awarded the “Plant Genome Savior Community Recognition Award” by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmer’s Right Authority (PPV&FRA), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India.

Navara Eco Farm has also been a center for scientific research. Many institutions, including the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Kerala Agricultural University, and the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, have conducted studies on Navara products from NEF. The farm has hosted numerous scientists, students, and government officials, all drawn to its innovative practices and commitment to preserving traditional agricultural knowledge.