Thu Nov 21 12:39:18 UTC 2024: ## Thiruvananthapuram Scientists Develop “Jaivam,” a Revolutionary Microbial Consortium for Speedy Composting

**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, November 21, 2024** – Scientists at the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) in Thiruvananthapuram have announced the development of “Jaivam,” a novel microbial consortium designed to accelerate and improve the composting process. This breakthrough offers a cleaner and more efficient method for converting organic waste into high-quality compost suitable for agriculture.

Led by Dr. Krishnakumar B. of NIIST’s Environmental Technology Division, the research team created Jaivam to address key challenges in current composting methods, such as high greenhouse gas emissions (methane and nitrous oxide) and inconsistent compost quality. The consortium utilizes bacteria with potent hydrolytic enzyme activities, making it effective across various organic waste types, including municipal waste, agricultural byproducts, and food waste from restaurants and hotels.

Field trials have demonstrated Jaivam’s effectiveness in significantly reducing composting time to just 15-20 days, a considerable improvement over traditional methods. This is achieved through bio-augmentation, a process where beneficial microorganisms are added to enhance the decomposition process.

CSIR-NIIST director C. Anandharamakrishnan highlighted the significance of Jaivam and similar R&D initiatives in tackling environmental challenges associated with waste management. To facilitate wider adoption, NIIST has entered into a non-exclusive licensing agreement with Agso Agrosoldier Pvt. Ltd. for the production and distribution of Jaivam.

Jaivam is adaptable to various composting scales, from small-scale household units to large-scale centralized facilities, offering a versatile solution for efficient organic waste management across diverse settings. This development is expected to make a substantial contribution to sustainable agriculture and waste management practices.

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