Kerala has named Bacillus subtilis its official state microbe, the first Indian state to make such a declaration. The move is meant to highlight the role of beneficial microorganisms in sustainable health care, food security, environmental protection and climate resilience.
Bacillus subtilis is a common Gram-positive, spore-forming soil bacterium widely regarded as safe. Its resistant endospores let it survive difficult conditions. In health, it is increasingly used as a probiotic to support gut microbiota, boost immunity and produce antimicrobial compounds; some strains help digestion and make vitamin K2.
In agriculture it acts as a plant growth–promoting rhizobacterium, producing phytohormones, improving phosphate uptake and suppressing pathogens. It also helps biodegrade waste, compost material and treat wastewater. In India the microbe is used in biofertilisers, biocontrol agents and as a probiotic additive in poultry and aquaculture, with research institutes and agri‑biotech startups developing related products.
The Centre of Excellence in Microbiome will identify beneficial microbes, develop microbiome-based products, build regional databases and train people. It is incubating startups and starting talks with international partners on joint research and bioinformatics.
Difficult words
- microbe — tiny living organism, often single-celled
- endospore — hard, resistant form some bacteria produceendospores
- probiotic — live microbe used to improve health
- microbiota — community of microbes in a body part
- phytohormone — plant chemical that controls growthphytohormones
- biofertiliser — natural product that adds nutrients to soilbiofertilisers
- biodegrade — to break down naturally by organisms
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think naming a state microbe can help public awareness of microbes? Why or why not?
- Would you use probiotic products for health or food? Give one reason for your choice.
- How could microbes like Bacillus subtilis help farmers or the environment in your area?
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