- Kerala chose a state microbe earlier this year.
- The microbe is Bacillus subtilis, a common soil bacterium.
- It can form tough spores to survive harsh conditions.
- People use it to help digestion and support health.
- Farmers use it to improve plant growth and yield.
- It also helps break down waste and make compost.
- A new centre studies useful microbes and develops products.
- The goal is better health, food and farming.
Difficult words
- microbe — Very small living thing seen with a microscope
- bacterium — Single cell organism found in soil
- spore — A tiny hard part that helps survivespores
- digestion — The body process of breaking down food
- yield — The amount of crops a farm produces
- compost — Rotten plant material used to help soil
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you eat food that helps digestion?
- Do you make compost?
- Do you know a farmer?
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