FPA underscores implication of underweight fertilizer weight to handlers in CAR
Written by : Rowena F. Billig | Published: 26 March 2024
CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION | March 15, 2024 – Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer, Dr. Myer G. Mula, Senior Agriculturist, Mr. Edward Calapatia, and FPA CAR conducted intensified monitoring of fertilizer weights and information campaign in Benguet, Abra, and Mt. Province on March 11-15, 2024.
Thirteen (13) establishments were inspected, and 23 brands of fertilizers were randomly weighed. Some of the fertilizers were identified to be underweight after failing to meet the specified net weight on the label.
To address the issue, the underweight bags will undergo re-bagging under the supervision of FPA field personnel. Dr. Mula advised the implementation of random weighing upon delivery of each order and the rejection of any underweight bags. Additionally, he recommends the utilization of electronic weighing scales for more accurate weight measurements.
Meanwhile, the monitoring team also conducted activities such as Accredited Safety Dispenser (ASD) and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training during the weeklong activity.
Along the way, Dr. Mula emphasized the role of handlers in ensuring the right amount of fertilizer per bag to ensure that distributors, dealers, and farmers get the accurate quantity of fertilizer they are paying for; and for them to avoid income losses after buying from importers.
Moreover, he underscored the impacts of underweight fertilizers on the nutrient requirements of plants that affect crop yield leading to low productivity, as fertilizer recommendations in kg per hectare are converted to per-bag basis by farmers as taught by technicians.
“We should make sure to weigh the fertilizers before giving them to the farmers, as this is crucial for their crops’ health and productivity,” Dr. Mula stressed.
The training activities were sponsored by the Crop Protection Association of the Philippines (CPAP) through Leads Agri and Agway Chemical Companies. ###
Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team
