- Collab - lists.millets2023.space

SAVE THE DATE - IYM 2023 Global Webinar Series::::Opportunities for processing millets, 19 September 2023 14:00 - 15:00 (CEST)
by Dimitrova, Zdravka (NSP) 11 Sep '23

11 Sep '23

[cid:image001.jpg@01D9D6B7.2CC41EF0] S A V E T H E D A T E 19 September 2023 | 14:00-15:00 CEST International Year of Millets Global Webinar Series 4th Webinar: “Opportunities for processing millets” Language: English and French REGISTER HERE<https://fao.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_C3Orq0J4QgSHBhqYZgoZ1A> The United Nations General Assembly at its 75th Session in March 2021 declared 2023 the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023)<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/en>. As part of the IYM2023 celebration, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is organizing a “IYM Global Webinar Series” to shed light on the various environmental, social and economic benefits of millets, their rich heritage and their vast potential. Millets are an important option to diversify agrifood systems and to adapt to changes in climate, especially in the drylands where many of the world’s most vulnerable populations reside. Millets are diverse, adapted to arid environments, require minimal external inputs, and thus provide small-scale farmers with opportunities for sustainable crop production systems suited to their specific environments. Millets are nutritious and to satisfy varied consumer demands there are significant prospects for value chain entrepreneurs to harvest, process and market a range of nutritious products. Join this online seminar to hear insights from the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and to learn how to establish value chains for millets, from seed to table, including creation of consumer demand, through practical experiences from Italy and India. Burkina Faso will share knowledge on how to reduce crop losses in sorghum value chain. Following speaker presentations there will be an interactive discussion to provide participants with a platform to ask questions and share experiences. AGENDA Time  Agenda item and presenter  14:00–14:05 Opening remarks by Mr Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) 14:05-14:15    Millets and sorghum value chain developed from seed to table by Ms Ombretta Polenghi, Director of Global Research & Innovation, Dr. Schär, Italy 14:15 –14:25  Burkina Faso: case study on losses in sorghum and lessons learned by Mr Souleymane Traore, Agriculture engineer, FAO, Burkina Faso 14:25 –14:35  Successful processing practices of millets in India by Ms Shauravi Malik, Co-Founder at Slurrp Farm 14:35 –14:55  Q&A session 14:55 –15:00  Closing remarks by Ms Diana Carter, Nutrition and Food Systems officer, FAO The webinar will be moderated by Ms Diana Carter, Nutrition officer, Food and nutrition division, FAO. For more information, please contact: International-Year-Millets(a)fao.org<mailto:International-Year-Millets@fao.org>

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Re: [Collab] [millets] Interest in establishing a millets value added products advisory board
by Don Osborn 04 Sep '23

04 Sep '23

Hello Vishal, I'd be interested in talking further with you about this advisory board idea. We at the North American Millets Alliance (NAMA) have been working "organically" (read "slowly") in the direction of an advisory board for our activities beyond the International Year of Millets. And of course you, and Nate Blum (of Sorghum United), and I were discussing earlier this year the possibility of an advisory or "steering" committee for the IYM in North America, in connection with FAO. The latter was perhaps a bit ambitious and by now we're probably too late to get such an entity up to speed,* but the idea of getting high level experts into communication on these crops and how to facilitate their production and processing, as well as promotion of their use, is significant. It would be useful to know how you see your company using an advisory council. Some businesses have corporate boards which serve similar functions - would such an approach fit with your company's structure and achieve the same results? NAMA has been looking at ways to support the industry, and among those is developing a kind of information clearing house to support the range of activities in the value chain, as well as extension and regulatory issues (like on labeling), and broad education and publicity. North America, as you know, is particular in the discussion of millets,as only a few (sorghum, proso, and teff) are grown on relatively small commercial levels for food, but many others are imported sldo in relatively small quantities, mainly as consumer packaged goods (but also in bulk form for further processing). Balancing those two, and accommodating enterprises such as yours which, as I understand it, use both domestically sourced and imported millet ingredients, is part of our challenge. One possibility is that NAMA could facilitate small businesses' contact with expertise in business and research, thus in effect indirectly providing advisory services. I'll take the liberty of cc'ing NAMA's Collab list for their info and possible comment. All the best, Don Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US) North American Millets Alliance, co-founder * Noting here a structural issue with UN International Years, whereby the naming of Special Ambassadors on continental levels tended to be late in any given Year. Having run up against a similar calendar issue in discussion of a possible continental advisory or "steering" committee for IYM in North America, I wonder why the UN agencies involved (and their continental offices) have not initiated relevant selection processes for either (or both) continental ambassadors or committees 3-6 months before the formal opening of an International Year. Perhaps a recommendation to carry forward. On Mon, Sep 4, 2023 at 12:39 PM Vishal Ramakrishnan <vishr27(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Hello All, > > My name is Vishal Ramakrishnan and I'm an entrepreneur based out of the > US. I am in the process of establishing a millets value added products > business that will create derivative products from a wide variety of > millets to compete with traditional plant-based alternatives (i.e., pea > protein, pea starches, fibers, sweeteners, etc.). > > I am seeking to establish an advisory board of individuals well versed in > the field of millets research & development, crop development, > agri-products commercialization and sales/trading & marketing. > Specifically, I am looking for the following profiles: > > 1. Scientists/Researchers - Individuals or organizations that have > extensively worked with various types of major & minor millets and can > speak to the nutritional/genetic profiles of millets and the ability to > extract derivative products from them > 1. Crop Development Experts - Would also consider experts that are > well-versed in crop development (i.e., agri-inputs and seed optimization) > that can address some of the genetic deficiencies present in millets and > how to address them (i.e., creating higher protein varietals, etc.) > 2. Commercialization Experts - Individuals who have hands-on working > experience working with bio-based fuels (e.g, ethanol) or other plant-based > alternatives (e.g., pea proteins, starches, fibers, etc.) > 3. Agri-Input Traders/Marketers - Individuals who can speak to placing > the above mentioned products in front of business consumers (e.g., > food/feed manufacturers, pet food manufacturers, etc.) > > The aim of this advisory council would be to advance the business case for > creating plant-based alternatives using millets and assist me in the > fundraising, business establishment and commercialization process. I am > agnostic as to your geographic location but would greatly appreciate > individuals with a broad market/industry understanding. > > I have already bought a consumer facing millet based product to the US > market utilizing pearl millet flour as the base (www.kanira.co) and am > well versed in creating new businesses from the ground up. > > Please direct all inquiries to vishr27(a)gmail.com and I'm happy to connect > over Whatsapp as well (will share details directly with interested > parties). > > Best regards, > > Vishal Ramakrishnan > https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-ramakrishnan > [image: Footer] > <https://dgroups.org/__e/ap/0f83ffbe-7c0d-4b7c-bf19-39fb43a7149e/footer.gif> > > You are receiving this message because you are a member of the community > Millets > <https://dgroups.org/fao/millets?e=/__e/vc/0f83ffbe-7c0d-4b7c-bf19-39fb43a71…> > . > > View this contribution on the web site > <https://dgroups.org/_/1A7OY2rl?e=/__e/vc/0f83ffbe-7c0d-4b7c-bf19-39fb43a714…> > > A reply to this message will be sent to all members of Millets. > > Reply to all community members <millets(a)dgroups.org> | Unsubscribe > <leave.millets(a)dgroups.org> >

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Thanks for inviting me
by Robin Asbell 04 Sep '23

04 Sep '23

Dear Millet fans, I'm a food writer, and have a focus on whole grains. I may have met you at the Whole Grains Council conferences in years past, or some other whole grain event. I wrote three cookbooks on whole grains, and have written many articles as well. I'm hoping to help building interest in whole grains. -- *Robin Asbell* *http://robinasbell.com/ <http://robinasbell.com/>*

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International Year of Millets 2023 - Upcoming activities
by Dimitrova, Zdravka (NSP) 04 Sep '23

04 Sep '23

Dear all, Kind reminder that the 3rd IYM Webinar “Climate resilience of millets” that will be held tomorrow 5th September at 14:00-15:00 CEST. Please find more information here<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/events/detail/third-webinar-of-the-iym-glo…> and below and register here<https://fao.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wcR6D0mmR4aZQmQ9bhGprA#/registration>. Best regards, Zdravka on behalf of the IYM Secretariat [Background pattern Description automatically generated with low confidence] RICH IN HERITAGE, FULL OF POTENTIAL. International Year of Millets 2023 Dear colleagues, We are happy to provide you with some exciting updates on the International Year of Millets (IYM)<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/home/en>. Please share them with your networks! IYM PHOTO CONTEST *Deadline 31 October 2023* Help us to spread the word! Use the information below to pass it along to your networks and share the social media assets<https://trello.com/b/QS57nGoh/international-year-of-millets-2023> on your channels. [A group of hands holding phones Description automatically generated]<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/international-year-of-millets-photo-contes…> International Year of Millets Photo Contest<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/international-year-of-millets-photo-contes…> Deadline 31 October 2023 SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO HERE<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/international-year-of-millets-photo-contes…> For professional or amateur photographers, millets growers, enthusiasts and advocates! Join the International Year of Millets Photo Contest<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/international-year-of-millets-photo-contes…> and spread the word about the many benefits of millets, from their diversity to the variety of nutritious dishes they can produce, their ability to thrive on arid lands, and their market potential. Photographs will be selected by an international professional jury, including the Magnum Photos<https://www.magnumphotos.com/> Editorial Director. The first prize winner of the photo contest will be invited to the official closing ceremony of the International Year of Millets in 2024. All 5 winners will be promoted on FAO social media and partner websites and will receive a certificate of recognition and a surprise gift bag. For more information, please contact: International-Year-Millets(a)fao.org<mailto:International-Year-Millets@fao.org> SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO HERE<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/international-year-of-millets-photo-contes…> IYM 2023 Webinar series [cid:image003.jpg@01D9DF1B.785ECC90]<https://fao.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wcR6D0mmR4aZQmQ9bhGprA#/registration> S A V E T H E D A T E 5 September 2023 | 14:00-15:00 CEST International Year of Millets Global Webinar Series 3rd Webinar: “Climate resilience of millets” REGISTER HERE <https://fao.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wcR6D0mmR4aZQmQ9bhGprA#/registration> The United Nations General Assembly at its 75th Session in March 2021 declared 2023 the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023)<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/en>. As part of the IYM2023 celebration, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is organizing a “IYM Global Webinar Series” to shed light on the various environmental, social and economic benefits of millets, their rich heritage and their vast potential. Millets can be grown in high temperatures and with little water, and are known to yield grain when other staple crops fail in extreme weather. This means millets can help stave off food insecurity as the climate becomes more erratic while the sustainable cultivation of millets can support climate-resilient agriculture and decent employment opportunities. Join this webinar to learn more about the climate resilience characteristics of millets, the FAO Agro-Ecological Zones (AEZ) modelling framework developed for millets and farmers’ experience in growing millets in drylands. AGENDA Time  Agenda item and presenter  14:00–14:05 Opening remarks by Mr Ravi Khetarpal, Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institution (APAARI) 14:05-14:15    Climate resilient characteristic of millets by Ms Damaris Odeny, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Kenya 14:15 –14:25  Agro-Ecological Zones (AEZ) modelling framework and millets by Mr Matieu Henry / Ms Federica Chiozza, FAO Land and Water Division 14:25 –14:35  Millets production in dry zone areas by Ms Megha Desai, Self employed women’s association (SEWA), World Rural Forum 14:35 –14:55  Q&A session 14:55 –15:00  Closing remarks by Mr Fenton Beed, FAO Plant Production and Protection Division The webinar will be moderated by Mr Fenton Beed, Agricultural Officer, FAO Stay tuned for the upcoming IYM 2023 webinars: * 19 September 2023 14:00-15:00 CEST – Opportunities for processing millets<https://fao.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_C3Orq0J4QgSHBhqYZgoZ1A#/registration> For more information, please contact: International-Year-Millets(a)fao.org<mailto:International-Year-Millets@fao.org> [cid:image004.jpg@01D9DF1B.785ECC90] S A V E T H E D A T E 19 September 2023 | 14:00-15:00 CEST International Year of Millets Global Webinar Series 4th Webinar: “Opportunities for processing millets” Language: English and French REGISTER HERE<https://fao.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_C3Orq0J4QgSHBhqYZgoZ1A> The United Nations General Assembly at its 75th Session in March 2021 declared 2023 the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023)<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/en>. As part of the IYM2023 celebration, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is organizing a “IYM Global Webinar Series” to shed light on the various environmental, social and economic benefits of millets, their rich heritage and their vast potential. Millets are an important option to diversify agrifood systems and to adapt to changes in climate, especially in the drylands where many of the world’s most vulnerable populations reside. Millets are diverse, adapted to arid environments, require minimal external inputs, and thus provide small-scale farmers with opportunities for sustainable crop production systems suited to their specific environments. Millets are nutritious and to satisfy varied consumer demands there are significant prospects for value chain entrepreneurs to harvest, process and market a range of nutritious products. Join this online seminar to hear insights from the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and to learn how to establish value chains for millets, from seed to table, including creation of consumer demand, through practical experiences from Italy and India. Burkina Faso will share knowledge on how to reduce crop losses by piloting innovative mechanization tools. Following speaker presentations there will be an interactive discussion to provide participants with a platform to ask questions and share experiences. AGENDA Time  Agenda item and presenter  14:00–14:05 Opening remarks by Mr Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) 14:05-14:15    Millets and sorghum value chain developed from seed to table by Ms Marina Braida, Dr. Schär, Italy 14:15 –14:25  Burkina Faso case study on losses in sorghum and piloted mechanized tools by Mr Souleymane Traore, Agriculture engineer, FAO, Burkina Faso 14:25 –14:35  Successful processing practices of millets in India by Ms Shauravi Malik, Co-Founder at Slurrp Farm 14:35 –14:55  Q&A session 14:55 –15:00  Closing remarks by Ms Ana Islas Ramos, Nutrition officer, FAO The webinar will be moderated by Ms Ana Islas Ramos, Nutrition officer, Food and nutrition division, FAO For more information, please contact: International-Year-Millets(a)fao.org<mailto:International-Year-Millets@fao.org> IYM 2023 website *New page* * IYM in the media<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/news/en> - this page<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/news/en> features important news articles from different regions, a multimedia section including videos, a podcast, photos, a dedicated Q&A with Fenton Beed<https://www.fao.org/plant-production-protection/news-and-events/news/news-d…>, the social media conversation, influencers, and more. *My Story* * Inspiring stories<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/my-story/en> about millet heroes engaged in production, processing, research and development and raising consumer awareness about nutritional benefits of millets from all regions. *Global Chef Challenge* * Millets are so diverse in taste, and in the variety of products and recipes they produce. Rich in heritage, there are endless ways to prepare and enjoy these nutritious grains. Check out the recipes<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/the-iym2023-global-chefs-challenge/en> suggested by international chefs and hobby cooks and bon apetit! #IYM2023 Podcast is live! It features valuable insights from experts such as Vilas A Tonapi from the Indian Institute of Millets Research, Makiko Taguchi from FAO, and Chef Fatmata Binta, a millet enthusiast. The podcast is available in both English and Spanish. Don't miss it! [Imagen que contiene cerca, tabla, flor, pasto Descripción generada automáticamente] Millets - rich in heritage, full of potential This International Year of Millets 2023, let's journey through time and continents, tracing the history and potential of this small but powerful grain. · Apple podcast<https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/millets-rich-in-heritage-full-of-pote…> · Spotify<https://open.spotify.com/episode/2BFDRwZCgYXMAfEkAIjCog?si=X4ENycKoSUuY5CUI…> · Soundcloud <https://on.soundcloud.com/1TUhU> · Audiogram <https://make.headliner.app/download/c3468e61-acf9-42a7-a1ed-2d27735284c2> El mijo: un patrimonio nutritivo, un horizonte de posibilidades En el Año Internacional del Mijo 2023, viajemos a través del tiempo y continentes, trazando la historia y el potencial de este pequeño pero poderoso grano. · Apple podcast<https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/el-mijo-un-patrimonio-nutritivo/id110…> · Spotify<https://open.spotify.com/episode/2QxKFBVtPqmZljnmgfzsgx?si=HJPrB0O2RvKc3mSL…> · Soundcloud<https://on.soundcloud.com/WPmcc> · Audiogram<https://make.headliner.app/download/24effbae-ddf7-474e-b694-ea2eac615489> When promoting the #IYM2023, make sure to use the official hashtags and material from the Trello Board<https://trello.com/b/QS57nGoh/international-year-of-millets-2023>, which is being populated each week with new social media material. Thank you for your continued support and for sharing this information within your networks. Our team is always available to discuss any ideas you have. For any queries, please write to International-Year-Millets(a)fao.org<mailto:International-Year-Millets@fao.org>. Warm regards, The IYM Secretariat [Chart Description automatically generated with medium confidence]

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SAVE THE DATE - IYM 2023 Global Webinar Series::::Climate Resilience of Millets, 5 September 2023 14:00 - 15:00 (CEST)
by Dimitrova, Zdravka (NSP) 02 Sep '23

02 Sep '23

[cid:image001.jpg@01D9C935.6BE15740]<https://fao.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wcR6D0mmR4aZQmQ9bhGprA#/registration> S A V E T H E D A T E 5 September 2023 | 14:00-15:00 CEST International Year of Millets Global Webinar Series 3rd Webinar: “Climate resilience of millets” REGISTER HERE <https://fao.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wcR6D0mmR4aZQmQ9bhGprA#/registration> The United Nations General Assembly at its 75th Session in March 2021 declared 2023 the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023)<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/en>. As part of the IYM2023 celebration, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is organizing a “IYM Global Webinar Series” to shed light on the various environmental, social and economic benefits of millets, their rich heritage and their vast potential. Millets can be grown in high temperatures and with little water, and are known to yield grain when other staple crops fail in extreme weather. This means millets can help stave off food insecurity as the climate becomes more erratic while the sustainable cultivation of millets can support climate-resilient agriculture and decent employment opportunities. Join this webinar to learn more about the climate resilience characteristics of millets, the FAO Agro-Ecological Zones (AEZ) modelling framework developed for millets and farmers’ experience in growing millets in drylands. AGENDA Time  Agenda item and presenter  14:00–14:05 Opening remarks by Mr Ravi Khetarpal, Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institution (APAARI) 14:05-14:15    Climate resilient characteristic of millets by Ms Damaris Odeny, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Kenya 14:15 –14:25  Agro-Ecological Zones (AEZ) modelling framework and millets by Mr Matieu Henry / Ms Federica Chiozza, FAO Land and Water Division 14:25 –14:35  Millets production in dry zone areas by Ms Megha Desai, Self employed women’s association (SEWA), World Rural Forum 14:35 –14:55  Q&A session 14:55 –15:00  Closing remarks by Mr Fenton Beed, FAO Plant Production and Protection Division The webinar will be moderated by Mr Fenton Beed, Agricultural Officer, FAO Stay tuned for the upcoming IYM 2023 webinars: * 19 September 2023 14:00-15:00 CEST – Opportunities for processing millets<https://fao.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_C3Orq0J4QgSHBhqYZgoZ1A#/registration> For more information, please contact: International-Year-Millets(a)fao.org<mailto:International-Year-Millets@fao.org>

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August millet-of-the-month (part 2): "Sonoran millet"
by Don Osborn 31 Aug '23

31 Aug '23

Sharing the millet-of-the-month spotlight in August with little millet (Panicum sumatrense) is its North American "cousin," sometimes called Sonoran millet (P. hirticaule or P. sonorum). Both are in the same genus as proso millet (P. miliaceum), which was the January millet of the month. Sonoran millet has been well documented as being under cultivation in what is now the SW US and NW Mexico since prehistoric times until modern times./9 /10 Cultivation now is apparently limited mainly to small farms notably of Wariho Indians in Sonora, Mexico, where it was documented as recently as 2011./11 Regarding nomenclature, it seems that P. hirticaule/12 may be used more for the wild varieties, and P. sonorum/13 for the larger and larger-grained variants that have been cultivated. However usage varies, esp. in older literature. At one point, it was thought that this grain - its cultivated variety - was extinct./11 An important range of cultivation in the Colorado River delta effectively disappeared as an indirect effect of the Hoover Dam./9 Its present status is "vulnerable."/13 There is some discussion of whether this grain is truly "domesticated" in the strictest agricultural sense of the term, but there is no question that it has long been selected and cultivated. Archaeological evidence shows that Native Americans cultivated or gathered seeds of several Panicum and Setaria species, especially before the domestication and spread of corn/maize. Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US) North American Millets Alliance (The above is based on an earlier post to Collab, in October 2022, https://lists.millets2023.space/pipermail/collab/2022-October/000090.html ; the image and links to sites from which its parts were sourced, below, are new) Notes: 1. Gary Nabhan & J.M.J. de Wet. 1984. "Panicum sonorum in Sonoran Desert Agriculture." Economic Botany, 38(1), 65–82. https://www.jstor.org/stable/4254574 2. https://www.nativeseeds.org/pages/sonoran-panic-grass 3. Barney T. Burns. 2011. "A Short History of Panic Grass." Seedhead News, No. 109, Spring 2011, pp. 6-7. https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0157/0808/files/SeedheadNews109-2011-Spri… (Republished in 2015 at https://www.nativeseeds.org/blogs/blog-news/a-short-history-of-panic-grass ) 4. https://species.wikimedia.org/wiki/Panicum_hirticaule 5. https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.130251/Panicum_sono… Attached image credits: (left) https://cabezaprieta.org/plant_page.php?id=1533 (top right) https://calscape.org/Panicum-hirticaule-%28%29 (middle right) https://medivetus.com/botanic/panicum-hirticaule-mexican-panicgrass-edible-…

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Proso Millet Videos
by Gary Wietgrefe 28 Aug '23

28 Aug '23

Don suggested I send you an email about my proso millet YouTube videos. "Proso Millet Pricing", the fifth video was just released Friday. In the last couple years I've generated over 10,000 YouTube views on the first four. Popular now are two on pre-harvest and harvesting proso. All my proso videos are about four minutes long. See: 1.) *Proso Millet Pricing*: https://youtu.be/pVQclIw5Rbw?si=ypn9W-lIQ54G9SmJ 2.) *Proso Millet: Preparing for Harves**t*: https://youtu.be/6kxx9Wt2jdo?si=sN1gMWe3wCc_pHFG 3.) *Harvesting Proso Millet for High Quality Food*: https://youtu.be/2krPZ9nfzLQ?si=qSOGb3bxAnLlKoU3 4.) *How to Produce Proso Millet: Seed to Germination*: https://youtu.be/WE-8c2e_i7Q?si=ZrmLZu6yTlVbTcuL 5.) *Proso Millet Planting Rates*: https://youtu.be/UKJfet_ziQY?si=rZUF5sXV3XaRnHOL Take a look....Gary Wietgrefe -- Author, Gary W. Wietgrefe, https://www.RelatingtoAncients.com/ *Destination North Pole--5,000 km by bicycle* is an exciting, endearing, humorous, dangerous and sometimes quirky travel adventure. Hardcover, paperback and e-books are available on Amazon or other on-line retailers. My other books tie education, school system, parenting, technology, and business with 21st century culture and learning.

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Little millet, August millet-of-the-month
by Don Osborn 28 Aug '23

28 Aug '23

Little millet (Panicum sumatrense)/1 - our "millet of the month" in August - is quite a bit more interesting than its name. * First of all, it is a close relative of proso millet (P. miliaceum), our January millet-of-the-month, and the rare Sonoran millet (P. hirticaule), which will share the spotlight this month (more on that in a follow up email).. In our millet-of-the-month calendar, Panicum is the only genus with a species featured in more than one month. * Archaeological research on the Indus Valley Civilization reveals that little millet was a common grain crop at a number of sites./2 * Little millet is a crop in parts of Asia, most notably in parts of India./3 * Like other millets, little millet is touted for its nutritional profile./4 * Altho little millet is not grown in North America, some it is imported in the form of consumer packaged goods from India: grain, flour, mixes, and as an ingredient in ready-to-eat products. These can be found in many stores specializing in South Asian foods, and on the internet./5 * In terms of flavor, I personally found it closer to rice than to a "nutty" flavor./6 That adjective is overused in talking about millets, but in my opinion it would apply better to little millet's close relative, proso millet. In addition to the material linked in notes, here's a nice short read on little millet: Eric Hamilton, "The Big Potential of Little Millet," American Society of Agronomy, 12 July 2021 https://www.agronomy.org/news/science-news/big-potential-little-millet/ Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US) North American Millets Alliance Notes: 1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panicum_sumatrense & 2, https://www.historydiscussion.net/history-of-india/indus-valley-civilisatio… 3. Note distribution: https://www.gbif.org/species/2705079 4. https://www.medindia.net/dietandnutrition/little-millet-the-immune-boosting… 5. Images of a few such products can be seen at: https://www.pinterest.com/drdonosborn/millets-plural/little-millet/ 6. This webpage has some good info on little millet, but its authors consider it to have a "nutty" taste: https://twobrothersindiashop.com/en-us/blogs/food-health/little-millet-bene…

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"Sorgho Squad" illustrated book series
by Don Osborn 26 Aug '23

26 Aug '23

Here's another way to reach younger audiences - Nate Blum and Sorghum United have come out with an illustrated book series called "Sorgho Squad." It features dynamic characters exploring the benefits of sorghum to address various needs and problems that the world faces. The story line is by Nate Blum, with illustrations by Jordan Scribner. The series is available in digital form via https://www.sorghosquad.com , and print form from at, for example, Amazon and Barnes & Noble. For more info: * "Sorghum United Unveils ‘Sorgho Squad’ Children’s Book Series" (Press Release), Digital Journal, June 27, 2023. https://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/news/getnews/sorghum-united-unveils-sorgh… * Glenda Cates, "Cultivating Young Minds Teaching Kids, the Importance of Agriculture with the Help of the Sorgho Squad," The Mommies Reviews (blog), August 22, 2023. https://www.themommiesreviews.com/cultivating-young-minds-teaching-kids-the… DO, EL, MI, US NAMA

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International Year of Millets 2023 - Update
by Dimitrova, Zdravka (NSP) 25 Aug '23

25 Aug '23

[Background pattern Description automatically generated with low confidence] RICH IN HERITAGE, FULL OF POTENTIAL. International Year of Millets 2023 Dear colleagues, We are happy to provide you with some exciting updates on the International Year of Millets (IYM)<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/home/en>. Please share them with your networks! IYM PHOTO CONTEST *Deadline 31 October 2023* Help us to spread the word! Use the information below to pass it along to your networks and share the social media assets<https://trello.com/b/QS57nGoh/international-year-of-millets-2023> on your channels. [A group of hands holding phones Description automatically generated]<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/international-year-of-millets-photo-contes…> International Year of Millets Photo Contest<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/international-year-of-millets-photo-contes…> Deadline 31 October 2023 SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO HERE<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/international-year-of-millets-photo-contes…> For professional or amateur photographers, millets growers, enthusiasts and advocates! Join the International Year of Millets Photo Contest<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/international-year-of-millets-photo-contes…> and spread the word about the many benefits of millets, from their diversity to the variety of nutritious dishes they can produce, their ability to thrive on arid lands, and their market potential. Photographs will be selected by an international professional jury, including the Magnum Photos<https://www.magnumphotos.com/> Editorial Director. The first prize winner of the photo contest will be invited to the official closing ceremony of the International Year of Millets in 2024. All 5 winners will be promoted on FAO social media and partner websites and will receive a certificate of recognition and a surprise gift bag. For more information, please contact: International-Year-Millets(a)fao.org<mailto:International-Year-Millets@fao.org> SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO HERE<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/international-year-of-millets-photo-contes…> IYM 2023 Webinar series [cid:image006.jpg@01D9D74D.A38757F0]<https://fao.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wcR6D0mmR4aZQmQ9bhGprA#/registration> S A V E T H E D A T E 5 September 2023 | 14:00-15:00 CEST International Year of Millets Global Webinar Series 3rd Webinar: “Climate resilience of millets” REGISTER HERE <https://fao.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wcR6D0mmR4aZQmQ9bhGprA#/registration> The United Nations General Assembly at its 75th Session in March 2021 declared 2023 the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023)<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/en>. As part of the IYM2023 celebration, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is organizing a “IYM Global Webinar Series” to shed light on the various environmental, social and economic benefits of millets, their rich heritage and their vast potential. Millets can be grown in high temperatures and with little water, and are known to yield grain when other staple crops fail in extreme weather. This means millets can help stave off food insecurity as the climate becomes more erratic while the sustainable cultivation of millets can support climate-resilient agriculture and decent employment opportunities. Join this webinar to learn more about the climate resilience characteristics of millets, the FAO Agro-Ecological Zones (AEZ) modelling framework developed for millets and farmers’ experience in growing millets in drylands. AGENDA Time  Agenda item and presenter  14:00–14:05 Opening remarks by Mr Ravi Khetarpal, Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institution (APAARI) 14:05-14:15    Climate resilient characteristic of millets by Ms Damaris Odeny, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Kenya 14:15 –14:25  Agro-Ecological Zones (AEZ) modelling framework and millets by Mr Matieu Henry / Ms Federica Chiozza, FAO Land and Water Division 14:25 –14:35  Millets production in dry zone areas by Ms Megha Desai, Self employed women’s association (SEWA), World Rural Forum 14:35 –14:55  Q&A session 14:55 –15:00  Closing remarks by Mr Fenton Beed, FAO Plant Production and Protection Division The webinar will be moderated by Mr Fenton Beed, Agricultural Officer, FAO Stay tuned for the upcoming IYM 2023 webinars: * 19 September 2023 14:00-15:00 CEST – Opportunities for processing millets<https://fao.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_C3Orq0J4QgSHBhqYZgoZ1A#/registration> For more information, please contact: International-Year-Millets(a)fao.org<mailto:International-Year-Millets@fao.org> [cid:image009.jpg@01D9D74D.A38757F0] S A V E T H E D A T E 19 September 2023 | 14:00-15:00 CEST International Year of Millets Global Webinar Series 4th Webinar: “Opportunities for processing millets” Language: English and French REGISTER HERE<https://fao.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_C3Orq0J4QgSHBhqYZgoZ1A> The United Nations General Assembly at its 75th Session in March 2021 declared 2023 the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023)<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/en>. As part of the IYM2023 celebration, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is organizing a “IYM Global Webinar Series” to shed light on the various environmental, social and economic benefits of millets, their rich heritage and their vast potential. Millets are an important option to diversify agrifood systems and to adapt to changes in climate, especially in the drylands where many of the world’s most vulnerable populations reside. Millets are diverse, adapted to arid environments, require minimal external inputs, and thus provide small-scale farmers with opportunities for sustainable crop production systems suited to their specific environments. Millets are nutritious and to satisfy varied consumer demands there are significant prospects for value chain entrepreneurs to harvest, process and market a range of nutritious products. Join this online seminar to hear insights from the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and to learn how to establish value chains for millets, from seed to table, including creation of consumer demand, through practical experiences from Italy and India. Burkina Faso will share knowledge on how to reduce crop losses by piloting innovative mechanization tools. Following speaker presentations there will be an interactive discussion to provide participants with a platform to ask questions and share experiences. AGENDA Time  Agenda item and presenter  14:00–14:05 Opening remarks by Mr Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) 14:05-14:15    Millets and sorghum value chain developed from seed to table by Ms Marina Braida, Dr. Schär, Italy 14:15 –14:25  Burkina Faso case study on losses in sorghum and piloted mechanized tools by Mr Souleymane Traore, Agriculture engineer, FAO, Burkina Faso 14:25 –14:35  Successful processing practices of millets in India by Ms Shauravi Malik, Co-Founder at Slurrp Farm 14:35 –14:55  Q&A session 14:55 –15:00  Closing remarks by Ms Ana Islas Ramos, Nutrition officer, FAO The webinar will be moderated by Ms Ana Islas Ramos, Nutrition officer, Food and nutrition division, FAO For more information, please contact: International-Year-Millets(a)fao.org<mailto:International-Year-Millets@fao.org> IYM 2023 website *New page* * IYM in the media<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/news/en> - this page<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/news/en> features important news articles from different regions, a multimedia section including videos, a podcast, photos, a dedicated Q&A with Fenton Beed<https://www.fao.org/plant-production-protection/news-and-events/news/news-d…>, the social media conversation, influencers, and more. *My Story* * Inspiring stories<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/my-story/en> about millet heroes engaged in production, processing, research and development and raising consumer awareness about nutritional benefits of millets from all regions. *Global Chef Challenge* * Millets are so diverse in taste, and in the variety of products and recipes they produce. Rich in heritage, there are endless ways to prepare and enjoy these nutritious grains. Check out the recipes<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/the-iym2023-global-chefs-challenge/en> suggested by international chefs and hobby cooks and bon apetit! #IYM2023 Podcast is live! It features valuable insights from experts such as Vilas A Tonapi from the Indian Institute of Millets Research, Makiko Taguchi from FAO, and Chef Fatmata Binta, a millet enthusiast. The podcast is available in both English and Spanish. Don't miss it! [Imagen que contiene cerca, tabla, flor, pasto Descripción generada automáticamente] Millets - rich in heritage, full of potential This International Year of Millets 2023, let's journey through time and continents, tracing the history and potential of this small but powerful grain. · Apple podcast<https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/millets-rich-in-heritage-full-of-pote…> · Spotify<https://open.spotify.com/episode/2BFDRwZCgYXMAfEkAIjCog?si=X4ENycKoSUuY5CUI…> · Soundcloud <https://on.soundcloud.com/1TUhU> · Audiogram <https://make.headliner.app/download/c3468e61-acf9-42a7-a1ed-2d27735284c2> El mijo: un patrimonio nutritivo, un horizonte de posibilidades En el Año Internacional del Mijo 2023, viajemos a través del tiempo y continentes, trazando la historia y el potencial de este pequeño pero poderoso grano. · Apple podcast<https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/el-mijo-un-patrimonio-nutritivo/id110…> · Spotify<https://open.spotify.com/episode/2QxKFBVtPqmZljnmgfzsgx?si=HJPrB0O2RvKc3mSL…> · Soundcloud<https://on.soundcloud.com/WPmcc> · Audiogram<https://make.headliner.app/download/24effbae-ddf7-474e-b694-ea2eac615489> When promoting the #IYM2023, make sure to use the official hashtags and material from the Trello Board<https://trello.com/b/QS57nGoh/international-year-of-millets-2023>, which is being populated each week with new social media material. Thank you for your continued support and for sharing this information within your networks. Our team is always available to discuss any ideas you have. For any queries, please write to International-Year-Millets(a)fao.org<mailto:International-Year-Millets@fao.org>. Warm regards, The IYM Secretariat [Chart Description automatically generated with medium confidence]

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