Taipei Botanical Garden Hosts 2023 International Millet Year Exhibition in Collaboration with Kalibuan Village's Bunun Tribe

The Taipei Botanical Garden, Forestry Research Institute is proudly at the forefront of the International Millet Year celebrations, marked by a special exhibition titled "International Millet Year: Celebrating Traditional Grains and Indigenous Culture." At the heart of this exhibition lies a remarkable initiative where traditional millet varieties from Kalibuan Village are cultivated within the botanical garden, symbolizing a powerful connection between urban and indigenous communities.

The story begins in July when the Taipei Botanical Garden officially opened its "International Millet Year: Celebrating Traditional Grains and Indigenous Culture" exhibition within the serene Japanese garden of Nanmon-cho 323. The exhibition showcases not only the diversity of millets but also the cultivation of traditional grains by Taiwan's indigenous tribes within the ethnobotanical section of the garden.

What sets this exhibition apart is the inclusion of millet varieties sourced directly from Kalibuan Village, home to the Bunun Tribe in Nantou's county. Among these 5 traditional millet strains are the illustrious Red Millet (madoq dangas) and the Forked Millet (madoq bunga), etc. The Kalibuan community graciously contributed these millet varieties and other indigenous grains such as Taiwanese oil millet, foxtail millet, finger millet, and Job’s tears for display and cultivation within the garden.

In a special event that underscores the bond between Taipei Botanical Garden and Kalibuan Village, Goad Tanapima, the village chief, along with members of the Bunun Tribe, will be visiting the garden for a harvest celebration. This event, scheduled to coincide with a press conference, serves as an educational platform where visitors and the media can learn about the cultural significance of millet harvesting and gain insights into the rich traditions and knowledge associated with millet.

The "International Millet Year: Celebrating Traditional Grains and Indigenous Culture" exhibition at Taipei Botanical Garden is a testament to the convergence of urban and indigenous communities in preserving cultural heritage, fostering agricultural diversity, and emphasizing the importance of sustainable farming practices. It offers urban dwellers a glimpse into the world of millet agriculture and highlights the value of indigenous knowledge and traditions.