N.M. Shaji, fondly called ‘Tuber Man of Kerala,’ has been awarded the India Biodiversity Award 2021 in the individual category of ‘Conservation of domesticated species.’ Shaji, who conserves a wide array of around 200 tuber crops, including greater yam, lesser yam, elephant foot yam, arrow root, colocasia, sweet potato, cassava and Chinese potato, at his farm in Wayanad, has received State Awards seven times for his efforts.