The Department of Agriculture’s (DA) push for a balanced fertilization strategy is gaining attention as a critical measure to reduce soil degradation, lower costs for farmers, and strengthen food security amid rising global tensions and escalating fertilizer prices.
At a recent Malacañang press briefing, Agriculture Undersecretary Leocadio L. Sebastian called for a shift away from the excessive use of inorganic fertilizers, which he said is “making our soil acidic and causing production to plateau.”
The balanced fertilization approach, which combines organic, inorganic, and biofertilizers, is seen as a solution to reinvigorate soil health and reduce reliance on costly imported fertilizers. Between 2021 and 2023, the Philippines imported around 7.1 million metric tons of chemical fertilizers, with an additional 1,000 metric tons produced locally. This heavy use has led to soil acidification and degradation, ultimately reducing the soil’s ability to sustain crop yields. A nationwide adoption of balanced fertilization could reverse these impacts, according to DA experts.
Homegrown Solution
A critical element of the DA’s balanced fertilization strategy is Bio-N, a biofertilizer developed by the University of the Philippines Los Baños-Biotech (UPLB-Biotech) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture. Bio-N works by enhancing soil nitrogen levels, and its potential for farmers is impressive—one kilogram of Bio-N can provide the nitrogen equivalent of two bags of urea, but at a much lower cost. While urea costs around Php 3,000 for two bags, Bio-N is priced at Php 500 per kilogram, offering a cost-effective alternative for farmers struggling with high fertilizer prices.
Despite Bio-N’s promise, it has only met 0.7% of the nation’s biofertilizer needs over the past two decades, largely due to limited production capacity. That changed last year when Agri Specialist, Inc., after signing a licensing agreement with UPLB-Biotech, invested in high-tech equipment to scale Bio-N production. Now poised for nationwide distribution, Bio-N can potentially reach the Philippines’ 7.2 million hectares of rice and corn farmland.
Pressing Global Challenges
The push for balanced fertilization is timely, as international pressures drive up fertilizer costs and threaten the stability of supply chains. Global conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, have driven oil prices to record highs, with ripple effects on fertilizer production costs. Urea, for instance, has more than tripled in price—from less than Php 1,000 to Php 3,000 per 50-kilogram bag. Additionally, the Philippines sources nearly 40% of its urea fertilizer from China, which has
heightened security risks due to ongoing maritime tensions in the West Philippine Sea. With such volatility in the global market, a sustainable, locally sourced fertilization strategy is crucial to protect Filipino farmers and maintain stable food production.
Aligned with Tatak Pinoy
The balanced fertilization strategy also aligns with the objectives of the Tatak-Pinoy Act, which aims to prioritize Filipino-made products and services in government procurement, bolstering local industries and innovation. The Act encourages entrepreneurs to invest in biotech projects like Bio-N, empowering the Philippines to address its own agricultural needs with homegrown solutions. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in his 2023 State of the Nation Address, reinforced the importance of the initiative, underscoring how biofertilizers like Bio-N could lead to higher yields and lower costs for farmers without relying on expensive imports.
By fully embracing balanced fertilization and encouraging Bio-N production, the Department of Agriculture can protect farmers, reduce dependency on unpredictable foreign markets, and support the nation’s food security. This initiative promises to create a sustainable future for Philippine agriculture—one rooted in resilience, self-sufficiency, and economic stability for Filipino farmers.