 Venkatapathi Reddiar was born on 29 March 1946 in Koodapakkam village of the Indian Union Territory of Puducherry.His schooling was broken while he was in grade 4 as he had to assist his family in farming but, taking a fascination for horticulture, he learnt the science through self-education.He obtained translated versions of scientific journals for his studies and attempted reportedly innovative practices at "Lakshminarayana Crossandra Innovative Centre", a laboratory and research centre founded by him in 1972.