Fertilizer supply 80% sufficient; price volatility remains a risk

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it has orders and inventory sufficient to meet 80% of Philippine fertilizer needs, which are expected to last until September, but prices are likely to be volatile for synthetic fertilizer types that depend on natural gas and petroleum because of fighting in the Persian Gulf.

In a statement on Wednesday, the DA said that surging prices could yet disrupt deliveries, and the government is negotiating with China, Russia, and India to cover its bases should the supply outlook from the Gulf become even more uncertain.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. was quoted as saying that there are plans to also engage Belarus to ensure steady delivery of petroleum-based inputs.

He added that the Chinese reaffirmed plans to continue with its agricultural cooperation with the Philippines.

The DA said it is also exploring low-input farming techniques developed by China and boosting domestic fertilizer production.

The DA said global fertilizer prices are rising, with urea possibly reaching $800 per metric ton if disruptions to Gulf shipping continue. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel