Isolation and molecular identification of cellulose/hemicellulose degrading bacteria from agricultural compost and determination of their hydrolytic potential

•Lignocellulose degradation during composting of agricultural waste (vegetable waste, cow dung, saw dust and dry leaves) is very important as it contributes to the major organic matter.•The recent concerns in regard to global climate change and the need for renewable and sustainable source of liquid fuel has become one of the most challenging issue in the 21st century.•Rice straw is a viable carbon source for bacterial production of cellulases/ xylanases.•16 s rDNA gene sequencing is important for genomic identification of bacterial isolates.