Cagayan de Oro City | August 05, 2022 – Regional Officer (RO) Ma. Sonia C. Calleja discussed the fertilizer situation in the region to 30 handlers of Misamis Oriental last July 30, 2022, at Harbor Lights Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City.

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

Provincial Officer (PO) Romnick N. Boctot discussed the implementation of the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS).

BFS is a program established by the Department of Agriculture which pushes for the use of combined organic and inorganic inputs and other forms of strategy to attain the maximum potential of farmlands while promoting balanced fertilization in maintaining soil fertility. Mr. Boctot cited cover cropping or green manuring, individual farmer soil fertility map, and improved cropping systems.

He stressed the need to apply the 4Rs in fertilization: Right source, Right Placement, Right amount, and Right rate. This shall enhance soil health and productivity, prevent the decline in soil fertility, and improve fertilizer availability and costs.

He also added some of the other functions of FPA, which include the following:

• monitoring of fertilizer prices and inventory which include the country of origin, registration number, batch number, and lot
• updating and providing lists of registered fertilizers and licensed dealers; and
• conducting a random inspection of different FPA licensed dealers. ###