Farmers warned of banned fertilizers

BAGUIO CITY: The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) has warned local farmers and traders of the presence of fertilizers in the market that have been suspended for use.

Rogelio Tanguid, FPA regional officer for CAR, explained that there are fertilizer brands that have been issued with certificate of product registration but the production of which has been suspended.

“The reason for suspending the production of those fertilizers was based on the results of the laboratory tests, which showed a very low nutrient content. We continue to ask the public to report and refrain from patronizing these products that might be circulating in the region,” Tanguid said.

Tanguid is encouraging the public to browse the FPA website at fpa.da.gov.ph to be regularly updated of the list of suspended, banned, and registered fertilizer and pesticide products.

The FPA recently issued a suspension order to local fertilizer manufacturers who fail to comply with FPA rules and regulations, specifically those who have products that are below 98 percent of the declared guaranteed analysis.

These manufacturers were ordered to pull out their products from the market. The FPA, on the other hand, will provide them with corrective actions.

At present, there are six laboratories that conduct fertilizer and pesticide testing and analysis, including pesticide residue. These are located in Makati City; Mandaluyong City; Pasig City; Dasmariñas, Cavite; Cagayan de Oro City; and Polomolok, South Cotabato.

Studies show that plants not receiving an adequate supply of nutrients may have productivity problems, Tanguid said.