VALENCIA CITY, BUKIDNON | August 30, 2022 – FPA Region X spearheaded by Regional (RO) Ma. Sonia C. Calleja discussed the fertilizer situation to the 49 members of the Bukidnon Agricultural Supply Dealers Association (BASDA) last August 25, 2022, at Jocel’s Garden, Lumbo, Valencia City, Bukidnon.

RO Calleja presented the reasons for the increasing fertilizer prices. In her discussion, she highlighted that the global fertilizer crisis is due to the rising prices of fuel, the Ukraine-Russian conflict, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, most fertilizer exporting countries prioritize their local distribution over exportation.

It is worth noting that the country has long been a net importer of fertilizers. About 90% of the country’s needs for fertilizer are mostly imported from China, Indonesia, and Malaysia. In addition, some are being imported from Qatar, Canada, Korea, and the Middle East, while local production accounts for only 10% of the country’s fertilizer supply.

To address the issue, the Department of Agriculture and its attached agencies implemented the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS). BFS is a program that includes the FPA and other DA agencies involved in farming. The idea of the program is to institutionalize the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers and other forms of strategies (i.e. green manuring or cover cropping, individual farm soil fertility maps, diversifying and improving cropping system, etc.) to attain the maximum potential of farmlands while maintaining soil structure and fertility.

The said strategy applies the 4Rs in fertilization: Right Source, Right Placement, Right Amount, and Right Rate to help enhance soil health and productivity, prevent the decline in soil fertility, and improve fertilizer availability and costs.

The meeting was organized by Christie D. Lim and Charles Joseph C. Follosco – Provincial Officers of Bukidnon. ###

Source: Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority. Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) Program The FPA Commitment in the OneDA Approach.