FPA Bicol Presses for Balanced Fertilization during the 14^th National Rice Technology Forum

Written by Gabriel B. Atole, Supervising Agriculturist FPA RFU V   l  Published: 27 April 2022

BULA, CAMARINES SUR | April 26, 2022 – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) – Regional Field Unit V (RFU 5) pushed for Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) during the 14th National Rice Technology Forum on April 19-22, 2022.

Over 3,300 farmers, rice program implementers, and delegates from across the country attended the event.

Regional Officer Gabriel B. Atole focused his discussion on the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) Program which is an FPA’s Commitment to the OneDA Agenda for Food Security. FPA was tasked to enhance crop production and increase income for rice farmers through the efficient use of fertilizer and other agricultural inputs. He emphasized that with BFS implementation would:

• Reduce reliance on inorganic fertilizer
• Improve soil fertility and structure through appropriate combination of inorganic and organic fertilizer
• Encourage local manufacturers to resort to non-traditional fertilizers

This strategy will lower the price of fertilizer as the Filipino farming community would be less dependent to imported fertilizer, thus less affected by global market changes. Aside from this, local supply will become more prominent and would help the Philippines become self-sufficient in terms of fertilizer supply.

The event was also highlighted by technology demonstration, where 12 seed companies planted 27 hybrid seeds to showcase the advantages and benefits of hybrid rice in the 104.30 clustered rice area covered by the San Agustin, San Ramon Farmers Cooperative (SARFC) in Bula, Camarines Sur.

The event was hosted by the Department of Agriculture Rice Program and the Agricultural Training Institute - Bicol in partnership with the Rice Productivity Advocacy Incorporated or Rice Board, Local Government Unit of Bula, Camarines Sur, PhilRice, and several seed-selling private companies. XXX

Source:

Agricultural Training Institute. (April 24, 2022). DA-ATI Bicol et al. Hold 14^th National Rice Technology Forum. https://ati.da.gov.ph/ati-5/news/04252022-1556/da-ati-bicol-et-al-hold-14th-national-rice-technology-forum