kaguno / कागुनो/ रैथाने वाली /Foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.)

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) is diploid genome (2n = 2x = 18), self-pollinating, and
versatile crop known for being genetically closely related to biofuel grasses, for its C4
photosynthesis, and for its tolerance to abiotic stresses. It is used as a staple food in many
parts of the world including arid and semi-arid areas of China, some part of India, Japan,
nepal,north Africa Canada etc and is grown for silage and hay in South and North America.
Foxtail millet is commonly known in Kangni (Hindi), kaguno (nepal),Italian millet,german
millet , chinese millet , Hungarian millet etc. Its panicle gives the appearance of a fox’s tail
so it’s called Foxtail millet. It has averegre productivity of 815 kg/ha in nepal. It is cultivated
from 800 – 2800 masl according to genbank nepal. Since there is not much research on
kaguno crop in Nepal so far, no advanced varieties are recommended. The local varieties of
kaguno cultivated in Nepal are known as black kaguno, white kaguno, red kaguno, yellow
kaguno, gray kaguno, small kaguno, big kaguno, bario kaguno etc. Kaguno has been
cultivated in Nepal since ancient times and it has a special role in local food security
especially in Karnali region. The local farming community takes it as a food to avoid famine ,
because it is ready in a short time (about 4 months). It can be considered as a crop that can
save from famine as it has the ability to withstand hail and drought and also has the ability to
produce good crops even on steep and less fertile land.

1. Presentation on Foxtail millet ( Setaria italica ) Presented to Mrs. Laxmi bhandari Assistant prof. advanced agronomy biodiversity conservation & NUS FWU, FoA Tikapur,kailali . Presented by Mr.Binod Bohara Roll No. :-14 6 th semester, (2nd batch) FWU,FoA B.sc Ag. Tikapur,kailali

2. Introduction It’s panicle gives the appearance of a fox’s tail so it’s called Foxtail millet . commonly known as kaguno ( nepal ), in Kangni (Hindi), Italian millet, German millet , chinese millet , Hungarian millet. diploid genome (2n = 2x = 18), self-pollinating, C4. The local farming as avoid famine , because it is ready in a short time (about 4 months). highly resilient and versatile crop ability to withstand hail and drought , produce good crops even on steep and less fertile land . averegre productivity of 815 kg/ha in nepal . according to genbank nepal :- cultivated from 800 – 2800 masl

3. fox’s tail Like panicle Consisting of a single stalk or a few tillers, with large inflorescences that mature more or less at the same time. A fully grown foxtail millet plant 1.2-2m in height, with slim , erect, and leafy stems. convex seeds about 2 mm in diameter, encased in a thin, , papery hull . color of the seeds varies greatly between varieties. Can store long period of time at 11-12.5 % moisture

4. Origin & introduction One of the oldest cultivated crops in the world, its origin in the northern province of China, approximately 7,400–7,900 years before present (BP ). Prime center of evolution and diversification of foxtail millet was East Asia, specifically China, Nepal. M ainly cultivated in hilly areas of western region like dolpa , jumla , kalikot , bajura , bajhang and other district ramechap , gorkha , lamjung etc. The local varieties : black kaguno , white kaguno , red kaguno , yellow kaguno , gray kaguno , small kaguno , big kaguno , bario kaguno etc . cultivated in Nepal since ancient times

5. Importance(nutritional) of foxtail millet Foxtail millet is considered superior to rice and wheat in terms of its nutritional value, containing high amounts of protein, fat, and minerals. . It is naturally gluten-free, good for celiac diseased or gluten sensitivity and diabetes patient. Protein (12.5 g) :- building and repairing tissues in the body and for the proper functioning of the nervous system. dietary fiber :- promote digestive health and prevent constipation. contain iron (Fe) is essential for brain oxygenation and preventing Alzheimer’s disease. low-fat grain ( obsesity ) Proper functioning of the Heart(Vitamin B1) it helps keep bones strong (Calcium 31 mg)

6. Intercropping: Mostly it is cultivated solely but in some places it is mixed cropping or intercropping with rainy finger millet or maize. Value addition: Processing into flour -: bread , biscuits, and cakes. Production of traditional foods : dhindo , kheer , roti Development of value-added products : cereals , snacks, noodles, biscuits, cookies and cakes and health drinks . Production of beverages : beer , wine, and health drinks Conservation : establishment of seed banks, Promotion of on-farm conservation, Research and documentation(In situ & Ex-situ) Several government agencies and non-governmental organizations like GENEBANK, LIBIRD, ICIMOD, BIODIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL, NHCIP