Inspection of fertilizer and pesticide handlers conducted in Cagayan Valley

Written by Arwin A. Cardenas  |  Published: 20 September 2022

CAGAYAN VALLEY | September 16, 2022 – Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Officer-in-Charge Dr. Myer G. Mula conducted series of ocular inspections of seven (7) fertilizer and pesticide (f/ap) handlers in the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya and Isabela on September 13-15, 2022.

Together with FPA Region II personnel headed by Regional Officer (RO) Leonardo A. Bangad, Dr. Mula inspected Alpachem Corporation in Solano, Greenball Agri-trading Corporation, and Malabing Valley Cooperative in Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya. He also visited NS Continental, Aljay Agrosolutions, Grupo Allied in Santiago City, and Asia Gold in Alicia, Isabela.

In addition, Dr. Mula talked to the owners and highlighted the ongoing issue of fake and unregistered fertilizer while emphasizing the importance of following the FPA standards in lieu of underweight fertilizers. The team later conducted test weights, and they found that some fertilizers were underweight and needed to be corrected. Owners explained that weighing is done by trucking scale and not per bag. In response, Dr. Mula reiterated that farmers buy fertilizers in bags not by volume thus emphasizing the value of money that farmers get. In this case, Regional Field Offices should orient farmers to purchase the fertilizers that are not underweight.

Dr. Mula assured to raise the issue of underweight fertilizers with the Fertilizer Industry Association of the Philippines (FIAP) and provide immediate action. The visit was in accordance with FPA's mandate to assure the farmers of adequate supplies of f/ap at reasonable prices and rationalize the manufacture and marketing of fertilizer.

Cagayan Valley was the top producer of corn and second for rice next to the National Capital Region. It is known for its vast area of rice and corn, having a harvested area of 631,121.35 and 432,924.46 hectares for the cropping year 2021, respectively. Having that said, Region II requires a voluminous supply of fertilizers to support and meet the needs of the farmers. ###