By Katrina Gracia Consebido
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Wednesday, March 1, that Filipino farmers will soon deploy biofertilizer instead of imported petroleum-based fertilizers.
“We are totally dependent on petroleum-based fertilizer–now, we are going to introduce biofertilizer to our farmers and teach them how to use it,” Marcos said.
The Chief Executive said hopefully it will “ease our concerns when it comes to the supply of fertilizer” and fully control the availability of biofertilizer.
“Now, there will still be a mix. Hindi lang–hindi mawawala ‘yung urea, hindi mawawala ‘yung mga non-organic. But, we will lessen our dependence on importation when it comes to fertilizer supply,” he added.
The President claimed biofertilizer was promoted due to fertilizer prices and supply issues.
Marcos said the Department of Agriculture (DA) tested biofertilizer and promoted it due to fertilizer prices and supply issues.
He said the DA tested biofertilizer, which the Philippines can generate because the country has relied on non-organic and petroleum-based fertilizers mostly urea.
Marcos noted early testing showed encouraging results, but biofertilizer useis expensive but can be reduced if produced locally.
“Kayang-kaya daw dito i-produce sa Pilipinas ‘yan. And furthermore, there are many technologies from [University of the Philippines Los Baños], from the other [state universitie and colleges], the agricultural colleges, marami silang na-research, na-develop na technologies diyan sa biofertilizer,” he continued.
Marcos made fertilizer price deals with Chinese producers on his state visit to China last month, helping farmers and ensuring food security.
Two Chinese fertilizer manufacturers signed a collaboration agreement with the Philippine International Trade Corp. to assure a sustained supply of needed fertilizers at affordable costs. –gb
