The Department of Agriculture Region III (DA-3) is encouraging farmers to adopt biofertilizer technology as part of a move toward sustainable agriculture. The agency's regional office stated that this initiative will help reduce the farmers' dependence on chemical fertilizers.
Inspection of Biofertilizer Facility
On May 13, DA-3 officials led by Regional Director Eduardo Lapuz, along with representatives from the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, inspected a manufacturing facility in Pulilan, Bulacan. The visit aimed to assess the production process and the facility's capacity to supply biofertilizers to farmers.
Promoting Soil Health and Alternative Fertilizers
The DA said this is part of its program to promote soil health management and alternative fertilizers, with the goal of improving farm productivity while reducing production costs. The agency emphasized that biofertilizer technology is an efficient farming approach that can support farmers' livelihoods.
Benefits of Biofertilizers
Maribel Jalalon, chief of the DA-BSWM Laboratory Services Division, explained that biofertilizers use natural and organic microorganisms to improve soil fertility and support plant growth. She noted, "Biofertilizers are good because they are natural and help our environment. Synthetic fertilizers provide readily available nutrients for plants, and biofertilizers can complement them." Jalalon also stated that biofertilizers can reduce farmers' expenses by around 30% to 50%, based on manufacturers' claims.
By adopting this technology, farmers can significantly cut fertilizer costs while promoting environmental sustainability.
