UN eyes revival of millets as global grain uncertainty grows

14 Sept 14:02 Key points summarised by AI

The UN's "Year of Millets" initiative for 2023, proposed by India, aims to revive millets as a hardy, healthy crop amidst growing global food uncertainty, climate change impacts, and supply chain disruptions.
Millets are celebrated for their resilience, thriving in drought-prone areas and poor soils with minimal water, fertilizer, and pesticides, making them a crucial alternative for farmers facing climate challenges.
These versatile grains offer significant nutritional benefits, being rich in proteins, potassium, and vitamin B, and are largely gluten-free, suitable for diverse culinary applications from bread to beer.
Despite currently representing less than 3% of global grain trade, millet cultivation is expanding in arid regions, with organizations like the World Food Programme supporting farmers, and is projected to overtake maize in some areas.

Bright at Midnight: Conceptual echoes of Bas Jan Ader Arrive in Bangkok

Yesterday 15:13 Key points summarised by AI

"Bright at Midnight" marks the first institutional exhibition in Asia of Dutch conceptual artist Bas Jan Ader, showcasing his enigmatic work at Bangkok Kunsthalle until January 10, 2027.
The exhibition delves into Ader's legacy, exploring themes of vulnerability and the ephemeral, made more poignant by his 1975 disappearance at sea during an art project.
It encourages viewers to engage with art beyond its material form, featuring key pieces like "Thoughts unsaid, Then forgotten," "Light vulnerable objects threatened by eight cement bricks," and the haunting film "Launch of the Ocean Wave."
A highlight is the planned live transformation of "Light vulnerable objects threatened by eight cement bricks" in 2026, where ropes will be cut, creating a new layer of art from the destructive impact.
The exhibition challenges conventional art consumption, advocating for a deeper appreciation of conceptual and research-driven artistic practices over mere fascination with art as an asset class.