Kerala Declares Bacillus subtilis as India’s First State Microbe

Kerala has created scientific history by becoming the first State in India to officially declare its own “State Microbe.” Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan declared Bacillus subtilis as Kerala’s State Microbe during a function where he dedicated the newly established Centre of Excellence in Microbiome (CoEM) to the people.

This landmark move places Kerala at the forefront of microbiome-based research in India and signals a research-driven model of governance that integrates biodiversity, biotechnology, agriculture, and public health.

A State Microbe is a microorganism officially recognised to symbolise a state’s biodiversity or scientific heritage. By declaring Bacillus subtilis as its State Microbe, Kerala has elevated microbial science into public policy discourse.

What Is Bacillus subtilis? Understanding Kerala’s State Microbe

About Bacillus subtilis

Bacillus subtilis is:

• A type of probiotic, commonly referred to as “good bacteria”

• A live microorganism that provides health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts

• Widely found in the environment

• Naturally present in soil and water

• Found in the human gut

• Present in fermented foods

Probiotic Significance

Probiotics are live microorganisms that improve gut health, immunity, and digestion when consumed in adequate amounts. The natural occurrence of Bacillus subtilis in fermented foods enhances flavor, preservation, and nutritional value through controlled microbial growth.

Because of its long-established safety and health benefits, Bacillus subtilis is one of the most extensively studied microorganisms globally.

Industrial, Agricultural and Medical Applications of Bacillus subtilis

Kerala’s decision is rooted in strong scientific and industrial evidence.

Industrial Uses

Bacillus subtilis plays a crucial role in enzyme production, including:

• Amylases

• Proteases

It is also used in the production of antibiotics such as:

• Bacitracin

These enzymes and antibiotics are widely used in healthcare, food processing, and biotechnology industries.

Agricultural and Livestock Applications

In agriculture and livestock sectors, Bacillus subtilis is used as:

• A probiotic in livestock feed

• A microbial agent for improving animal gut health

• A growth performance enhancer

In farming, it supports:

• Disease control

• Increased agricultural productivity

• Natural plant growth enhancement

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan specifically highlighted its role in disease control and agricultural productivity, noting that products developed by universities using this microorganism could become a major economic asset for Kerala.

Safety Profile: GRAS Status

One of the most important aspects of Bacillus subtilis is its GRAS status (Generally Recognized as Safe).

GRAS status means:

• It is considered safe for use in food applications

• It is safe for pharmaceutical use

• It has long-standing regulatory approval in health and nutrition sectors

Its safety profile, combined with industrial relevance, makes it one of the most reliable microorganisms for large-scale translational research.

Centre of Excellence in Microbiome (CoEM): Kerala’s Scientific Leap

Objective of the Centre of Excellence in Microbiome

The Centre of Excellence in Microbiome (CoEM) was established with a clear mission:

• Scientifically study the role of microorganisms in health, environment, and sustainability

• Translate microbiome research into real-world products

• Benefit society through microbial technologies

The Chief Minister dedicated CoEM to the people during the same function where Bacillus subtilis was declared State Microbe.

Institutional Framework Behind CoEM

CoEM functions under:

• Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)

• In collaboration with Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC)

It is the first institution in India to bring microbiome-based translational research across multiple sectors under one umbrella, including:

• Human health

• Nutrition

• Immunity

• Agriculture

• Fisheries

• Environmental conservation

This integrated structure makes it unique in the Indian scientific landscape.

Infrastructure and Facilities at CoEM

The Centre has begun operations at:

• KINFRA Park, Kazhakoottam

It is equipped with:

• Advanced microbiology laboratories

• Molecular biology laboratories

• Animal cell culture facilities

• Startup incubation spaces

• Startup support systems

• State-of-the-art bioinformatics facilities for big data analysis

The centre will later move to a permanent campus at:

• Bio 360 Life Sciences Park, Thonnakkal

This shift is expected to expand research opportunities and strengthen Kerala’s global microbiome footprint.

Funding and Scientific Support

The CoEM project was realised with:

• Financial assistance from KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board)

• Scientific guidance from the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology

Through international research collaborations, Kerala is positioning itself as a global centre for microbiome research.

MoUs and Collaborative Expansion

At the inauguration function, CoEM signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with:

• Kerala Startup Mission

• Amrita School of Biotechnology

These partnerships aim to:

• Accelerate startup innovation

• Foster biotech entrepreneurship

• Translate laboratory research into commercial products

How Bacillus subtilis Can Boost Kerala’s Economy

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that products developed by universities using Bacillus subtilis are expected to become a major economic asset.

Potential economic sectors include:

• Probiotic health supplements

• Microbial agricultural inputs

• Sustainable livestock feed solutions

• Bio-based environmental remediation products

• Antibiotic and enzyme manufacturing

By integrating microbiome research with startup incubation and translational science, Kerala is aligning biodiversity with economic development.

Microbiome-Based Research Across Sectors

The Centre will focus on:

Human Health

• Improving nutrition

• Enhancing immunity

• Developing probiotic and prebiotic formulations

Agriculture

• Accelerating plant growth

• Natural disease control using microbial technologies

Environment

• Pollution control using microorganisms

• Sustainable ecosystem management

Fisheries

• Microbial applications for aquatic health

This makes CoEM a multi-sector scientific innovation hub rather than a conventional laboratory.

Kerala’s Research-Driven Development Model

Kerala has increasingly positioned itself as a knowledge-driven state. The declaration of a State Microbe is not symbolic alone — it reflects a governance model rooted in:

• Biodiversity recognition

• Translational science

• Innovation-driven policy

• Integration of research with startups

By officially recognising Bacillus subtilis as the State Microbe, Kerala has embedded microbiology into its developmental vision of “New Kerala.”

Why Kerala’s State Microbe Declaration Matters Nationally

Kerala’s move may inspire other states to:

• Recognise region-specific biodiversity

• Promote microbiome research

• Institutionalise translational biotechnology

• Integrate startups with scientific ecosystems

As the first state to declare a State Microbe, Kerala has set a precedent in science-based public policy.

A Microbe with Macro Impact

With the declaration of Bacillus subtilis as its State Microbe and the operationalisation of the Centre of Excellence in Microbiome, Kerala has taken a bold step toward integrating biodiversity, biotechnology, agriculture, and health.

From soil to gut, from laboratories to livestock feed, from enzyme production to pollution control — this single microorganism represents a vast scientific ecosystem.

Kerala is not merely celebrating a bacterium. It is redefining how science can be embedded into governance, economy, and sustainability.

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FAQs: Kerala’s State Microbe – Bacillus subtilis

Q. Why did Kerala declare Bacillus subtilis as its State Microbe?

Ans. Kerala declared Bacillus subtilis as its State Microbe to symbolise the state’s scientific heritage and biodiversity. The bacterium is widely studied, has proven applications in health, agriculture, and industry, and plays a key role in microbiome research. The declaration aligns with Kerala’s vision of integrating science, sustainability, and economic development.

Q. Is Kerala the first state in India to declare a State Microbe?

Ans. Yes. Kerala has become the first state in India to officially declare its own State Microbe. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced Bacillus subtilis as the State Microbe while dedicating the Centre of Excellence in Microbiome (CoEM) to the public.

Q. What is Bacillus subtilis?

Ans. Bacillus subtilis is a probiotic or “good” bacterium found naturally in soil, water, the human gut, and fermented foods. It is one of the most extensively studied microorganisms and is widely used in health, agriculture, and industrial applications.

Q. What are probiotics and how is Bacillus subtilis beneficial?

Ans. Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. Bacillus subtilis supports gut health, improves immunity, and contributes to overall digestive wellness. It is also used in livestock feed to enhance animal growth and gut performance.

Q. What are the industrial uses of Bacillus subtilis?

Ans. Industrially, Bacillus subtilis is used to produce enzymes such as amylases and proteases. It is also involved in the production of antibiotics like bacitracin. These applications make it valuable in pharmaceutical, food processing, and biotechnology sectors.

Q. How does Bacillus subtilis help agriculture?

Ans. In agriculture, Bacillus subtilis helps control plant diseases, enhance soil health, and improve crop productivity. It is also used in livestock feed to improve animal gut health and growth performance, contributing to sustainable farming practices.

Q. What is GRAS status and does Bacillus subtilis have it?

Ans. GRAS stands for “Generally Recognized as Safe.” Bacillus subtilis has GRAS status, meaning it is considered safe for use in food and pharmaceutical applications based on scientific evidence and regulatory approval.