¨     Kerala has taken a unique, science-based step by making a microorganism a part of its state identity for the first time.

¨     This initiative underscores the role of microorganisms in daily life, from human health to agriculture and environmental sustainability.
¨     This decision is the first of its kind in India, reflecting Kerala's commitment to knowledge and research.
¨     Kerala has officially declared Bacillus subtilis as its State Microbe. Kerala is the first state in India to do so.
What is Bacillus subtilis
¨     Bacillus subtilis is a beneficial probiotic bacterium naturally found in soil, fermented foods, and the human gut.
¨     It is considered helpful in improving gut health, boosting immunity, enhancing soil fertility, and controlling plant diseases.
¨     Due to its high tolerance and spore-forming ability, it is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry, food processing, and sustainable agriculture.
¨     Recognizing it as the state microbe highlights the silent but significant contribution of microorganisms to human well-being and ecological balance.
Official Announcement and Historic Initiative
¨     The announcement was made by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at a public event held in Thiruvananthapuram.
¨     With this decision, Kerala has set a new precedent at the national level, where a microorganism has been formally recognized for the first time.
¨     This initiative signifies a move beyond traditional symbols (such as animals or birds) to embrace a scientific and knowledge-based identity, consistent with Kerala's tradition of education and research.
Centre of Excellence in Microbiome
¨     Along with this announcement, a Centre of Excellence in Microbiome (CoEM) was also launched.
¨     This center will study the effects of microorganisms on human health, nutrition, immunity, agriculture, fisheries, and environmental protection.
¨     According to the state government, Bacillus subtilis plays a crucial role in disease control and increasing productivity, and products developed from it can become high-value economic assets for Kerala.