SOUTHERN, LEYTE | June 16, 2022 – Deputy Executive Director Dr. Myer Mula and FPA RFU 8 visited 29 farmers in St. Bernard, Tomas Oppus, and Sogod, Southern Leyte, last June 14, 2022. The activity aims to educate the farmers and accredited dealers with the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) as an alternative solution to counter the alarming fertilizer price hike.

The farmers are the beneficiaries of Mallard Duck Production, Egg Layer Production, and Vegetable Production. They are members of the Bolodbolod Mahayhay San Isidro Irrigators (BOMOSA), Mapgap Farmers Association, and MAGAPSO Mahayhay Irrigators Association.

During the discussion, the FPA team presented the FPA’s mandate, functions, and the reasons for the increase in fertilizer prices. They also promoted the use of the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) program as an alternative recommendation on fertilization.

The BFS Program is a long-term solution to address the rising price of fertilizer globally and the deteriorating soils by judicious use and/or combination of inorganic and organic materials like rice straw, livestock, and chicken manure to supply plants with appropriate nutrients to ensure that the crop can sustain high production over long cropping periods preserving the nutrients and improving soil structure.

Moreover, Provincial Officer Claudette Mae Terciño introduced the list of FPA accredited dealers. Dealers and handlers undergo training for proper handling of agricultural inputs and take exams before getting accredited by FPA. They are also regularly monitored by FPA to ensure that they constantly practice proper and safe handling of fertilizers and pesticides and sell them with good quality. 

FPA promised to strengthen the training for safe and judicious use of fertilizer and pesticide and to enhance the information campaign for alternative fertilization processes such as the Balanced Fertilization Strategy, Green Manuring, etc.

Further, FPA strengthened its link with the Department of Agriculture, other attached agencies, and other private companies and government agencies involved in future projects that will uplift the agricultural scene in the region.