Question

Akshay Shrivastav, a chemical engineer, launched Navyakosh, a unique biofertiliser. He started his company, LCB Fertilisers, in his backyard during the COVID-19 pandemic induced lockdown. His creation rapidly gained popularity among the farmers. Tejraj Sahu, a farmer from Odisha, was one of those who had used the new biofertiliser, Navyakosh on his paddy field. The harsh sun and unseasonal rains had reduced water holding capacity of Sahu’s field and prompted him to use this biofertiliser.

1. How do you think the use of the biofertiliser, Navyakosh benefitted the paddy field? 
2. Name the microbe that was used to create the biofertiliser, Navyakosh.

Answer 1

1. 
   
   1. Increased nutrient availability to crops.
   2. Enhanced water retention capacity of the soil.
   3. Promoted healthy root growth and improved soil structure.
   4. Boosted crop yield and resilience to environmental stress.
2. The microbe used to create the biofertilizer Navyakosh is likely a type of Rhizobium or Azotobacter, as these are the common microbes used in biofertilizers to fix atmospheric nitrogen and improve soil fertility.