Crackdown continues for under-weight fertilizer in Batangas

Written by Georlene P. Orbista and Suzettie M. Alcaide  |  Published: 27 September 2022

BATANGAS | September 27, 2022 – Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Officer-in-Charge Dr. Myer G. Mula supervised the inspection and random weighing of three (3) fertilizer handlers in Batangas last September 20, 2022.

As part of the intensive monitoring to address the ongoing issue of fake/unsound fertilizers, the team inspected two (2) major importer warehouses in Bauan and San Pascual and one (1) dealer in Lipa City, Batangas.

Before the actual weighing of bags, Dr. Mula briefed the establishments' representatives and explained that some reports of under-weight fertilizers were circulating in the market that affected the farmers.

Following the FPA’s sampling method, the team found that around 28-37% of the total sampled products from both importers’ warehouses were under-weight. The lowest weight recorded was 49.54 kg for a 50-kg fertilizer bag. Meanwhile, 20% of the samples in the dealer's store were also under-weight.

Though the team recognized that handlers received their stocks as is, Dr. Mula reiterated that farmers purchased fertilizers in bags. Therefore, each bag should conform according to the standard. As a corrective action, under-weight bags will be subjected to re-bagging and shall be supervised by FPA personnel.

The data generated from the weighted sampling will be analyzed and reported to the Fertilizer Industry Association of the Philippines (FIAP).

FPA RFU IV Regional Officer Ms. Suzettie M. Alcaide and Batangas Provincial Officer Georlene P. Orbista assisted with the visit. ###