‘FERTILIZER NA NAMAN?’

A RESOLUTION has been filed in the Senate seeking an inquiry into the memorandum issued by the Department of Agriculture (DA) mandating the use of biofertilizers kuno.

The inquiry kuno aims to prevent a repeat of the 2004 Fertilizer Fund Scam, in which the DA’s fertilizer funds were allegedly diverted and used for reelection. Tarso!

Issued on April 27, DA’s Memorandum Order No. 32 establishes guidelines for the distribution and use of biofertilizers to supposedly increase rice production.

The DA stated in its memorandum order that the selected biofertilizer at P2,000 per hectare can substitute for at least two bags of inorganic urea fertilizers without sacrificing the yield. Abaw!

The DA pegged the cost of two bags of urea at P4,000, thus resulting in a savings

of P2,000, or more if the cost of the biofertilizer chosen is less expensive. But wait. Di bala urea costs just around P1,100 per bag and two bags per hectare would cost only P2,200?

There is a need to investigate the basis for the issuance of MO No. 32, whether the price of fertilizer and the cost of urea per bag are indeed high enough to warrant the insistence of the DA on using biofertilizer.

The idea of buying biofertilizers is drawing concern from farmer organizations. They worry that this may end up being another fertilizer fund scam. Tarso!

Also, ayon sa aming bubuwit, the use of biofertilizers on a commercial scale is not yet proven to result in higher yield and cost efficiency. Haslo!

Let us see if a Senate inquiry will push through. In a time of high prices and a looming El Niño, it is imperative to be cautious.