BFS to Ease Impact of Rising Costs of Inputs
BUTUAN CITY -- With the increasing prices of farm inputs including fertilizers, our farmers are crying out for help.
With this, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is intensifying the promotion of the Balanced Fertilization Strategy.
The Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) also known as Abonong Swak is a fertilization strategy that advocates the correct use of organic and inorganic fertilizers to meet the nutritional needs of crops and ensure the soil’s fertility.
The BFS aims to address the problem on the continuing increase of prices of fertilizers. It emphasizes the importance of following the right EAT or Element, Amount, and Timing in fertilizer application to avoid wastage and lessen expenses.
Moreover, the BFS is advocating for the use of organic fertilizer together with inorganic fertilizer. Organic fertilizers will improve soil structure, texture, and aeration resulting to increase in the soil’s water retention abilities.
Furthermore, the BFS offers three combos of fertilizer application recommendations and protocols which the farmers can choose from, depending on what is doable and adaptable for them.
In line with the promotion of the BFS, the DA-Caraga conducted an Information Caravan on Abonong Swak on July 5-8 in Butuan City, Patin-ay, Agusan del Sur, Tandag, Surigao del Sur, and Surigao City respectively.
The Info Caravan was attended by Provincial, City, and Municipal Agriculturists, Provincial/City/Municipal Rice Coordinators, and Agriculture & Fishery Council Provincial chairpersons.
DA-Caraga Information Section Chief Emmylou T. Presilda underscored the importance of briefing the Local Government Units (LGU) on the campaign since they are the frontliners in the field as well as the DA’s partners in program implementation.
Ven Rea Cabuga of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management and Jehru Magahud of PhilRice Agusan served as Resource Speakers. Other members of the Abonong Swak Technical Working Group were also present to address all concerns during the Info Caravan. (Vanessa P. Sanchez / DA13-RAFIS/PIA Caraga)
