DA-China negotiations on for lower-priced fertilizer

MANILA – In an try to satisfy the fertilizer requirement for the primary planting season this yr, the Division of Agriculture’s Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (DA-FPA) is negotiating with China to decrease costs.

The nation wants 600,000 metric tons (MT) of fertilizer for the primary planting season, in keeping with FPA chief Wilfredo Roldan throughout a digital briefer on Tuesday.

The DA stock at the moment holds 200 MT.

“It’s a actual incontrovertible fact that the Philippines is a internet importer of fertilizer, even when now we have the PhilPhos (Philippine Phosphate Fertilizer Company) and Atlas (Fertilizer Company), however they’re importing their uncooked supplies,” he stated.

Up to now, the value of the generally imported fertilizer urea is USD900 per ton, which can retail for PHP2,400 to PHP3,000 per bag.

In February and March 2021, it solely value about USD300.

The value improve is brought on by excessive demand in India, Australia, United States, and Brazil, whereas huge suppliers, like China and Russia, are withholding their exports to make sure their home necessities are met, in keeping with Roldan.

Urea is a low-cost nitrogen fertilizer type that promotes inexperienced leafy progress and make the vegetation look lush.

When China requested for a agency supply, Roldan stated the DA set the value at USD500 USD.

“If they may agree on that, that can assist us largely,” he stated.

DA Secretary William Dar beforehand urged farm cooperatives to import fertilizers immediately from worldwide producers and suppliers.

He additionally ordered Roldan to look right into a balanced technique which can make the most of non-traditional fertilizer. (PNA)