May 28, 2024 | Caraga Region – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Caraga, together with the Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer, Dr. Myer G. Mula, conducted warehouse inspections and random weighing of fertilizer bags in Butuan City and Agusan del Sur on May 20-22, 2024.

Out of 2,125 fertilizer bags consisting of eighteen fertilizer brands of different grades, 1,405 bags fell below the standard weight of 50kg per bag.

The prevalence of underweight fertilizers has a detrimental effect on agricultural production in the region. As such, dealers and distributors, being the key players in the distribution process, were briefed on the results, and concerned companies would be notified of corrective measures. These measures, as recommended by Dr. Mula, included the proper folding and sealing of fertilizer bags, as single stitched bags were observed to be prone for spillage. Further, using well-calibrated digital weighing scales from importers to fertilizer dealer-repackers was also recommended to minimize underweight fertilizers.

To further address the issues and concerns regarding fertilizer, FPA Caraga conducted two consultative meetings with stakeholders. The first meeting was held in Butuan City on May 20, 2024, and was attended by four major dealers and distributors from Butuan City and Agusan del Norte. The second meeting took place in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, on May 21, 2024, and was attended by 22 members of the Southern Agusan Agricultural Dealers Association (SAADA).

During these meetings, Dr. Mula explained the status of underweight fertilizers in the country and their effect on crop yield, which leads to low productivity. This issue arises because fertilizer recommendations based on soil analysis are given in bags per hectare. Dr. Mula emphasized the role of FPA, Local Government Units (LGUs), and FPA handlers in collaborating to benefit the farmers. ###

Written by: Engr. Yzredin O. Baconguis

  Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
  Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team