State PCS - West Bengal (WBCS)

• 30 Jun 2025

Bacillus ayatagriensis: New Soil Bacteria Species

Why in News? 

Researchers at Raiganj University in Bengal have discovered a new species of soil bacteria that shows powerful antimicrobial activity and the ability to enhance seed germination, offering promise for sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture.

Key Points

• About the Bacteria: 
  • Bacillus ayatagriensis – derived from “Aayat” (from Sanskrit Ayata, meaning extended or vast) and “Krishi” (meaning agriculture), symbolizing its potential contribution to sustainable farming. 
  • Researchers isolated the newly discovered bacterium from the rhizosphere of mulberry plants, which play a vital role in the region’s sericulture and farming systems. 
    • The study, focuses on applied microbiology and its impact on sustainable agriculture. 
• Sericulture: 
  • It is the process of farming silkworms to make silk. Silkworms are raised on mulberry, oak, castor, and arjun leaves.  
  • After about a month, they spin cocoons. These cocoons are collected and boiled to soften the silk.  
  • The silk threads are then pulled out, twisted into yarn, and woven into fabric.  
  • This careful process turns small silkworms into shiny silk. 
  • Silk production in India: 
    • India is the second-largest producer and consumer of silk globally. 
    • India's raw silk production increased from 31,906 MT in 2017-18 to 38,913 MT in 2023-24. 
    • The area under mulberry plantations grew from 223,926 ha in 2017-18 to 263,352 ha in 2023-24.