THE JOURNEY OF THE MILLET..

The Year 2023 is declared as the Year of Millets by the UN.

In India, millets have been the traditional grains that have been cultivated and consumed for centuries. However, their popularity declined due to various reasons, such as changing food habits, lack of awareness, costly availability etc. Sadly, the per capita consumption of millet decreased from 32.9 Kgs to just 4.2 Kgs from the period 1962 to 2010.

However, there are signs of revival of the interests in millets, more so amongst the urban consumers, who have started looking for healthy and nutritious alternatives to rice and wheat. This has been supported by the UN declaring the year 2023 as The International Year of the Millets.

Major millets include sorghum, pearl and finger millets. There are also minor millets including foxtail, barnyard, kodo and other kinds. The earliest domesticated millet has been the proso millet, which was found about 7000 years back. Then came the foxtail millets, which found their routes through Eurasia.

In India too, the proso millet was the earliest such crop, said to be dating back to even pre-Harappan period.

Over the years, the physiology of the millets evolved to become climate-resilient, covering biotic and abiotic stress. These belong to a group of crops called C4 crops; these have evolved over 500 times on their own.

Rice, wheat etc belong to C3 category of crops. These crops have been so divided based on their methods of photosynthesis. The two cells of C4 crops make them photosynthetically more efficient. They also do not have any photorespiratory loss. Thei carbon dioxide acceptance is also much superior, as also their water usage efficiency. Millets also do not need much fertiliser and rain fall.

One or two rain falls are enough for the millets, as against six to seven rounds of rainfalls for wheat, along with requirement of standing water in the fields for rice.

Evolution of millets has also given them resilience against high temperatures, and they also have what is called a RAPID DROUGHT ESCAPE. As soon as they realise the drought conditions, they quicken their pace of life cycle, giving a better yield.

Millets are rich in protein, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants, and have low glycemic index, which makes them suitable to manage diabetes, obesity and cardio-vascular diseases.

Hence, the millets have the potential to bounce back as staple diet in many countries.

December Gardening!!.

(For those who think growing seedlings at home is a rocket science, they must read this article carefully. Remember that grown up seedlings from nursery can cost you 5 times more, at least. And nothing works in gardening better than putting your knowledge to practice.)

There is no unbelief; Many gardeners are in the habit of buying seedlings, as they fear their ability to raise successfully their own by missing something to raise them. It is not possible to buy many seedlings for the price of a few packets of seeds from which many hundreds of seedlings can be raised.
Only bear in mind to handle them carefully. The pleasure you get to raise one’s own seedlings is beyond words and don’t require much attention.

There are three methods of raising seedlings:

(1) In seed trays, pots or boxes.
(2) In specially prepared seed beds: Acclimatized seeds and vegetable seeds, plants which are required in large quantities, should be sown in seed beds.
(3) Directly in position or at a site where they will be grown by Broadcast sowing of seeds which cannot be transplanted like Sweet peas, Poppy.

THE MOON CONNECTION: Germination will be better, and better and more vegetables will be obtained from a full moon crop. Seeds sown just before new moon give the worst results.

• THE MIX: The simple principle of mix should be some light, sandy loam, moisture holding ingredients like well-rotted compost manure or leaf mold. Sieve the loam, and the manure or leaf mold as required so all, stones etc. are removed. Mix the loam and moisture-holding ingredients in equal parts and if necessary, add sand until the mixture is light enough and doesn’t cake when damp if pressed together in a handful.
• Damp the mixture before using.
• Add a layer of coarse gravel or other material to provide drainage and fill it with the prepared mixture.
• Shake the pot or box to settle the soil and level the surface .
• The depth of the prepared mixture should not exceed more than 3in. So always take shallow pots for seed sowing.
• Sow the seeds,make small depression by using thin baton .
• Depth of the holes should be according to the size of seeds.

Fine seeds should be broadcasted. Fine seeds can be mixed with sand for easy broadcast. The next operation is the covering, and it should be done carefully. In case of exceptionally fine seeds sprinkle a very thin dusting of dry sand and press down with flat batten. For large and coarse seeds cover with sifted soil or leaf mould with the help of sieve. Press down as done above. Thoroughly damp the soil with sprayer, without disturbing the surface. Lay it with damp newspaper or sack. You can also soak the pot in shallow water basin till moisture shows on the surface of the soil. Remove from water. You can cover with a transparent sheet also so that progress is visible.

Larger seeds don’t require covering. Place the pots or boxes where wind, rain or hot sun doesn’t reach them. An hour or two of morning sun is sufficient.

Tip: keep the pots or boxes on a bed of ashes to repel slugs and snails. Ashes provide good drainage without allowing excessive evaporation from underneath. Lime mixed with tobacco dust can be sprinkled freely around the boxes/ pots to combat pests. With cold water plants, watering carelessly can be destructive. Failure to germinate is caused by an excess of moisture.

When growth appears remove the covers carefully and gradually. When they show the 4th leaf they are ready for transplanting. Moisten the soil before transferring the seedlings. Make a hole and keep the plant in the hole. Cover with soil and press the soil firmly. Next, water carefully. Keep the pots in shade till they are big and strong, then shift to a sunny area. Avoid damping off by applying fungicide. Prevent ants by soaking phenyl around.

It’s December and we do expect the temperature to fall. We are expecting the temperature to be 21/7. C minimum in December. We have many plants which are required to be protected from frost.

When cold weather hits, an overnight frost or extended freeze can damage susceptible plants. Even in mild-winter regions, frost can have damaging effects on cold-sensitive garden favorites like citrus trees, bougainvillea, fuchsias, salvias and succulents. Luckily, many plants can be saved from harm when the temperature dips below the freezing point (Himachal, Uttarakhand and Kashmir) with a few simple precautions.

Cover Plants Before Nightfall.

If a frosty night is forecast, cover tender plants like angel’s trumpet (Brugmansia spp.), bougainvillea, citrus, fuchsia, penstemon, salvia, succulents and tree ferns. Young plants and those that have been recently planted can be more vulnerable to frost damage than well-established ones.

To cover plants, place stakes around small to medium-size plants and drape green net/frost blankets over the stakes so that, ideally, the blanket covers but does not touch the plant. For larger plants like gardenia and tree ferns, drape coverings over the crown and wrap the trunk. Always remove the covering in the morning. Old bed sheets or lightweight blankets can be used as well and are preferable to plastic tarps.

Use a Cold Frame

To extend your potential for growing cold-tender plants — such as potatoes, lettuce, spinach and other edible greens — and get a jump-start on starting spring seedlings, consider investing in cold frames. These enclosed frames trap heat and moisture, creating a greenhouse environment for tender plants.You can make some with bamboo frames as well.

Protect Sensitive Plants with Cloth or Plastic bottles/ jugs can be cut and used as an inexpensive — though less charming — alternative to cover tender plants in beds.

Spread Mulch

Help protect the shallow roots of tender shrubs and perennials from ground freezes by spreading a 3- to 4-inch layer of wood chip or straw mulch/sirkis.

Bring Small Potted Plants Indoors.

The easiest way to protect succulents and tender herbs from an overnight freeze is to bring them inside. If you have a sunny spot for them, keep them indoors through the cold weather. Otherwise, bring them back outside during the day.

Move Large Potted Plants Under Eaves

Cold wind can intensify the harmful effects of frost by removing moisture from foliage faster than the plant can take up water from the roots. To cut down on this damage, move large potted plants to sheltered areas, such as under the eaves, beneath the canopy of large trees or into the garage. Provide extra protection by wrapping the plants with frost blankets.

Water Well

It may seem counterintuitive to water a garden before a freeze, but providing frost-tender plants with a good drink in the daytime makes plants better able to withstand colder night temperatures. Water early in the day so that the plants have time to absorb moisture before the temperature drops. Avoid spraying the foliage, which can freeze if not given time to dry off.

If Bougainvillea foliage shows frost damage, wait to Cut Back Frost-Damaged Plants.

Although brown foliage and crispy stalks look unattractive, the damaged growth actually helps protect the lower parts of the plant from future freezes. Hold off on pruning plants that have been damaged until all risk of freezes has passed. If you cut back the plant too early and have more nights with frosty temperatures, the shock of pruning and freezing can kill the plant.

Mixture for seasonal flowers in winter

• Neem khali. 5kg
• Mustard cake. 5kg
• DAP 2.50kg
• Bone meal 1.0 kg
• Zinc . 1.0 kg
• Muriate of potash 1.0 kg
• Cow dung manure 10 kg
• Mix all components and use 2 teaspoon per. 10 in a pot every 15 days

Rest there’s little work in the garden.

“This is your last chance, in most cases, to plant bulbs — and the first part of the month is the best time, “Plant daffodils, hyacinths, Louisiana irises, jonquils, cannas, gladiolus and dahlias.”

You can plant strawberries too but you will get less yield. Your herbs can still be planted like oregano thyme lavender lettuce parsley etc.

Roses will be at their best. Cannas will be going off and should be given good dressing of rich manure and well-watered towards the end of the month. Chrysanthemums will also be at peak. Flower beds and borders should be hoed and irrigated only as necessity desires.

Happy Gardening

Rama Tyagi

COLOURS OF CHANGE

Changes can come in various hues and colors. For us, the change has come in COLOUR PINK.

Remember. When your actions start connecting with the masses; are connected to the grass root level, rest assured that your actions are becoming a movement.

Rama ji, along with Archana ji have taken this onerous task of training about 3000 AANGAN WADI WORKERS on the skills of gardening, so that the message of growing the garden in the tiniest most space available in your house, or school, or place of work, can be rapidly and effectively spread.

We are sharing below the image of first batch of Aanganwadi workers which has been trained by Rama Ji.

“आज रमा दीदी के निवास पर किचन गार्डन पर एक विशेष कार्यशाला का आयोजन हुआ।इस पोषण शाला में लगभग 40 आंगनवाड़ी बहनों ने भाग लिया। सभी ने  पारिवारिक माहौल में तन्मयता ने रमा दीदी की बातों को सुना और फिर वादा भी किया कि हम हरसंभव आपकी बताई सीखों को जीवन में उतारेंगे।”

कार्यशाला के दौरान कंपोस्टिंग, बायो एंज़ाइम, माइक्रो ग्रीन्स,पोषक पौधे सहजता से घरों और संस्थानों में कैसे उगाए जाएं उनका रख रखाव कैसे किया जाए इस पर वृहत जानकारी दी गई।

सभी को पौधे और बीज भी वितरित किए गए। जिसे सभी ने बहुत सराहा।अपने घरों और आसपास उपलब्ध वस्तुओं से  कैसे आसानी से पौधे उगाकर स्वस्थ पोषण प्राप्त किया जा सकता है और पर्यावरण संरक्षण में भागीदार बना जा सकता है , यह जानकर सभी आंगनवाड़ी बहनों  को बहुत अच्छा लगा।

हरे-भरे माहौल में अनमोल और आरती के सहयोग और बेहतरीन भोजन प्रसाद ने कार्यक्रम को और भी खुशगवार बना दिया।

शुक्रिया रमा दीदी  हमें एक बेहतरीन शुरुआत का हिस्सा बनाने के लिए।

KNOW YOUR PLANTS

SANCHEZIA OBLONGA

• Plant Habit: Shrub
• Life cycle: Perennial
• Sun Requirements: Partial or Dappled Shade
• Water Preferences: Mesic(moderate amount of water)
• Minimum cold hardiness: Zone 9b -3.9 °C (25 °F) to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
• Plant Height: 4 to 5 feet
• Plant Spread: 3 to 4 feet
• Leaves: Evergreen, Variegated, Other
• Flowers: Showy
• Flower Colour: Yellow, Other
• Bloom Size: 1″-2″
• Flower Time: Year Round
• Suitable Locations: Houseplant
• Uses: Ornamental,can be used as a Hedge.
• Resistances: Humidity tolerant
• Containers: Suitable in a 20in pot or larger, Needs excellent drainage in pots.
• Propagation: Can be grown from branch cuttings during monsoon season.

Rama Tyagi

The Meaning of Christmas Symbols

Candy Canes, Wreaths, Christmas Trees, and Christmas ornament decoration!

Have you ever wondered why people hang tinsel on Christmas trees, or how candy canes became synonymous with the winter holiday? While these holiday decorations may seem arbitrary, most of these traditional decorations have a special meaning.

Stars

The Christmas star symbolizes the star of Bethlehem, which according to the Biblical story, guided the three kings, or wise men, to the baby Jesus. The star is also the heavenly sign of a prophecy fulfilled long ago and the shining hope for humanity.

Candles

A candle, a mirror of starlight, is also a symbol representing the star of Bethlehem. Before electric Christmas tree lights were invented, families would use candles to light up the tree. Also, during this season, two other holidays share the significance of candles and light: Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, in Judaism; and Kwanzaa, a unity celebration of people displaced during the African diaspora, where one candle of the kinara candle holder is lit over seven nights.

Gifts With a Bow

The men who brought their gifts to honor the birth of Jesus inspired the concept of giving gifts during the holiday. According to the Christian Bible’s New Testament, Melchior, Balthazar, and Gaspar brought gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh to the newborn baby Jesus.

A ribbon is tied around a gift to represent how people should all be tied together in bonds of unity and goodwill during the holiday season.

Red and Green Colors

The color red is used at Christmas to represent the blood of Jesus when he died on the cross. It’s also reflected in the color of holly berries, which also had pagan symbolism during the winter solstice celebrations in ancient Rome.

The colour green signifies everlasting light and life. Romans decorated their houses with evergreen branches during the New Year, and the fir tree symbolized life during the winter. There is also a legend that says that when Jesus was born in the dead of winter, all the trees around the world shook off the snow to reveal new shoots of green.

Bells

Bells are rung during Christmas to proclaim the arrival of the season and to announce the birth of Jesus. The ringing of bells can also be traced back to pagan winter celebrations used to drive out evil spirits.

Candy Canes

This treat represents the shape of a shepherd’s crook. Jesus, often referred to as the Good Shepherd, was born on Christmas. His birth was God’s way to bring lost lambs back to the fold. The red stripe represents blood, Christ’s sacrifice, and the white stands for his purity.

Wreaths

The wreath is a circular, never-ending symbol of eternal love and rebirth. Holly also stands for immortality and cedar for strength. Today, the wreath symbolizes generosity, giving, and the gathering of family.

Mistletoe

Mistletoe is a parasitic plant, meaning it lives on the tree that it is attached to and, without it, the mistletoe would die. The plant has long been a symbol of love, and some believe that the Druids used mistletoe as a cure-all or some stories claim that it could promote fertility.

Tinsel and the Christmas Spider

If you have ever noticed a spider decoration on someone’s tree, you might have thought that they had odd taste. This tradition comes from the Eastern European tale of the Christmas spider, which led to the reason for tinsel at Christmas.

A modern-day version of the story is that a woman immaculately cleaned her house for Christmas. The house spiders were swept to the farthest reaches. The spiders learned there was a beautiful Christmas tree in the room and wanted a closer look. They saw it, loved it so much, danced all over it, and left their webs behind. Depending on the version, baby Jesus, Father Christmas, or Santa Claus then saw the beautiful webs and miraculously transformed them into silver and gold tinsel so the woman who worked hard to clean her house would not be dismayed.

In honor of that tale, people hang tinsel on their Christmas trees. It has also become a custom to include a spider among the decorations.

Rama Tyagi

tyagirama1@gmail.com.

MEMBERS’ CLICKS

AMRITA BHARTI DOES PROUD TO HFS, ONCE AGAIN

कुछ ऐसे सपने होते हैं जो कभी हक़ीक़त में तब्दील होगा या नही ये हमें पता नही होता है। उन सपनो में से एक सपना मेरे HARIyali Farms का है। सभी के प्यार और आशीष से मेरा वो सपना पूरा हो गया। 18th Nov 2023 मेरे जीवन का सबसे सुनहरा दिन रहा था जब National channel DD Kisan की team अपने Krishi Startup प्रोग्राम के लिये मेरे फार्म पर आई। १२ घंटे से भी लम्बा मेरा और मेरे फार्म का शूट हुआ। इसका promo link नीचे है।मेरे इस सपने को पूरा करने में मेरी गुरुमॉ Rama Tyagi Mam एवं वंदना  Mam का बहुत बड़ा योगदान रहा है। आप दोनो को नमन। चाहूँगी की आप सभी का आशीर्वाद और प्यार मेरे लिए हमेशा यू ही बना रहे।

SPECIES GOING OFF THE MAPS

Grey Crowned Crane

Grey Crowned Crane of eastern and southern Africa fell off the maps, and comes in ENDANGERED species. Standing 3 ft tall, this bird finds its wetlands and grasslands taken from them by we humans, their marshes polluted and their eggs removed. Those who survive face the threat from wildlife traffickers, as the bird being status symbol, the bird declining by 79 %.

The Gouldian Finch

They live in northern Australia. Hundred and thousands existed in the early 20th century, but under 2500 by the end of it. As its savannas and trees were snatched by humans, the finch declined. Wild-fires also impact this seed-eating species. Once these birds were celebrated for their vibrant colours, but their beauty led to many being captured for illegal trade.

The Flightless Dodo

It is not endangered anymore; it is extinct. In the 1960s, Dutch sailors stopped at Mauritius seeking food and freshwater. They hunted the resident Dodo relentlessly, destroyed their nests and cut down its forests. In 80 years, the Dodos, which evolved 40 million years ago, were erased from the earth.

(courtesy TOI)

सफलता के लिए टिप्स:

उच्च गुणवत्ता वाली मृदा:

जबकि कई सब्जियों का परिपक्व होने में अधिक समय लगता है, कई ऐसे विकल्प हैं जो आपको अपने बागवानी प्रयासों के पुरस्कार का आनंद छोटे समय में लेने की अनुमति देते हैं।इस लेख में, हम 15 सबसे तेज़ बढ़ने वाली सब्जियों की खोज करेंगे जो बीज से प्लेट तक एक महीने में जा सकती हैं, जिससे आपको तेज़ और स्वादिष्ट बागवानी की बहुमूल्यता मिले।

1. मूली (राफानस सैटिवस)मूली अपने तेज़ विकास के लिए प्रसिद्ध हैं। विविधता के आधार पर, आप इने सिर्फ 20 दिनों में इसके कुरकुरे और तीखे आनंदों का कटौती कर सकते हैं।

2. अरुगुला (एरुका सैटिवा)इसके विशेष प्रकार के तीखे स्वाद के साथ, अरुगुला एक तेज़ उगाने वाला है। आप पौधे लगाने के 21 दिनों के भीतर छोटे अरुगुला पत्तियाँ काटना शुरू कर सकते हैं।

3. पालक (स्पिनेशिया ऑलेरेसिया)बेबी स्पिनेच पत्तियाँ न केवल पौष्टिक हैं बल्कि उगाने में भी तेज़ हैं। एक सत्र के भीतर छोटे पत्तियाँ काटने के लिए 25 दिन।

4. सलाद पत्तियाँ (लैक्टुका सैटिवा)लूसलीफ और बटरहेड विविधियों जैसी पत्तियों को सिर्फ 28 दिनों में काटा जा सकता है। अपने बागवान से सीधे ताजा सलाद का आनंद लें।

5. केल (ब्रासिका ऑलेरेसिया एसेफाला)केल, एक पौष्टिक पावरहाउस, केवल 25 दिनों में बेबी पत्तियों के रूप में काटा जा सकता है। नियमित काटने से निरंतर विकास होता है।

6. मस्टर्ड ग्रीन्स (ब्रासिका जुंसिया)मस्टर्ड ग्रीन्स तेज़ बढ़ने वाले हैं और एक तीखे स्वाद का प्रस्तुत करते हैं। लगभग 30 दिनों में छोटे पत्तियों को सलाद या स्टिर-फ्राइज के लिए काटें।

7. बोक चॉय (ब्रासिका रापा सबस्प. चिनेनसिस)बेबी बोक चॉय लगभग 30 दिनों में काटने के लिए तैयार हो सकती हैं। इन नरम पत्तियों को अपनी पसंदीदा एशियाई-प्रेरित डिशेज़ में जोड़ें।

8. टर्निप्स (ब्रासिका रापा सबस्प. रापा)टर्निप्स, खासकर हाकुरेई वैराइटी, सिर्फ 30 दिनों में छोटे बेबी टर्निप्स के रूप में काटे जा सकते हैं। क्रिस्प, हल्के स्वादिष्ट रूट्स का आनंद लें।

9. स्कैलियन्स या हरा प्याज (आलियम फिस्टुलोसम)स्कैलियन्स उगाने में सबसे तेज़ सब्जियों में से एक हैं। लगभग 20-30 दिनों में हरा प्याज काटें, जो आपके व्यंजनों में माधुर्य और मिल्ड प्याज का स्वाद जोड़ता है।

10. क्रेस (लेपिडियम सैटिवम)क्रेस एक तेज़ पत्तेदार हरी सब्जी है जो केवल 15 दिनों में काटी जा सकती है। इसका तीखा स्वाद सलाद और सैंडविच में एक प्यारी जोड़ने के लिए बनाता है।

11. बेबी गाजर (डॉकस कैरोटा सबस्प. सैटिवस)’पैरिस मार्केट’ या ‘थंबलीना’ जैसी छोटी गाजर विविधियों का चयन करें ताकि आप लगभग 30 दिनों में बेबी गाजरों का आनंद ले सकें। ये छोटे आनंद स्वादिष्ट और नरम होते हैं।

12. एशियाई हरियाली (विभिन्न प्रकार)मिजूना, तात्सोई, और कोमाट्सुना जैसी एशियाई हरियाली को लगभग 20-30 दिनों में काटा जा सकता है। ये पत्तेदार हरियाली आपके व्यंजनों में अद्वितीय स्वाद जोड़ती हैं।

13. बेबी बीट्स (बीटा वल्गेरिस)बेबी बीट्स के लिए शीघ्रमात होने वाली चुनौती देखें, लगभग 30 दिनों में इन नरम जड़ों को काटें। इन नमकीन रूट्स का आनंद छोटे होने पर होता है।

14. रेडिश स्प्राउट्सअल्ट्रा-फास्ट हार्वेस्ट के लिए, रेडिश स्प्राउट्स को उगाएं। आप इन कुरकुरे, तीखे स्प्राउट्स का आनंद केवल एक सप्ताह में ले सकते हैं।

15. माइक्रोग्रीन्स (विभिन्न प्रकार)यह स्पष्टता से सब्जी नहीं है, माइक्रोग्रीन्स में ब्रोकोली, केल, और अरुगुला जैसे तेज़ उगने वाले विकल्प शामिल हैं। इन पोषण से भरपूर हरियाली को 7-14 दिनों में काटें।सफलता के लिए सुझाव:- उच्च गुणवत्ता की मिट्टी: श्रेष्ठ उगाई के लिए अच्छी निर्वहन क्षमता वाली, पोषण से भरपूर मिट्टी का उपयोग करें।

श्रेष्ठ विकास के लिए अच्छी निकासी वाली, पोषण समृद्धि से भरपूर मृदा का उपयोग करें।उचित सिंचाई: मृदा को संवेदनशील बनाए रखें, लेकिन भीगे नहीं होने दें।पर्याप्त सूर्यप्रकाश: सुनिश्चित करें कि आपका सब्जी बाग कुशल को योग्य सूर्यप्रकाश प्राप्त करता है, बेहतर है 6-8 घंटे प्रतिदिन।अनुक्रमिक रोपण: अपने फलों की पैदावार को बढ़ाने के लिए, हर 1-2 हफ्ते में अनुक्रमिक रोपण का अभ्यास करें।कंटेनर गार्डनिंग: इन सब्जियों को आसान प्रबंधन और चलने में सुविधा के लिए कंटेनर में उगाने का विचार करें।सही चयन और थोड़ी सी योजना के साथ, आप घर पर उपजाऊ सब्जियों का स्वाद तेजी से निकाल सकते हैं।
चाहे आप एक अनुभवी बागवानी करने वाले हों या एक नौसिखिए, ये सबसे तेजी से बढ़ने वाली सब्जियां आपके बगीचे और आपकी मेज पर संतुष्टि का एहसास और एक स्वाद की झलक लाएंगी।

Rama Tyagi

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES…

Our guru, Rama ji conducting gardening sessions for the students of RAZAPUR COMPOSITE SCHOOL. The students took keen interest in making Bio-enzymes, composting and growing micro-greens.