Paper short abstract:

Increase in food demand requires the use of Fertilizers. Certain bacteria represents an alternative to fertilizer without any form of harm. Some indigenous bacteria have been used to grow commonly consumed vegetable. its use should be encourage so as the boost the business and achieve the SDGs

Paper long abstract:

Increase in population comes with increase in food demand which causes a strain on farmers. Crop yield is increased with the use of agrochemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides that comes with its attendant ills. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have been observed to increase crop yield in an eco -friendly manner, representing a better alternative to fertilizer. African Spinach (Amaranthus hybridus) and Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis), are common vegetables consumed in Nigeria due to their nutritional and medicinal benefits. They are consumed in soups which are a major part of each delicacy. On the average, one of these vegetables is consumed at least once per day. Due to their popular and constant demand, Farmers employ the use of fertilizers to produce them in large amount. Increase in the growth parameters of these vegetables were observed when planted using indigenously isolated plant growth promoting rhizobacteria PGPR (Enterobacter sichuanesis AJI2411, Burkholderia contaminans OYA0603 and Burkholderia vetnamiensis AU2011). The use of these bacteria in promoting crop yield has led to the prevention of the deleterious effects of fertilizer use which includes; Ground water contamination, methemoglobinemia, production of greenhouse gases, skin defects on farmers, ingestion of poisonous chemicals, eutrophication, and the eradication of the beneficial microbial diversity. The use of PGPR should be explored in commercial terms. The production of biofertilizer using PGPR should be encouraged by farmers hence boosting the business