AN URGENT APPEAL TO THE PRESIDENT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIC FERTILIZER INDUSTRY

AN URGENT APPEAL TO THE PRESIDENT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIC FERTILIZER INDUSTRY

Many people still do not realize that the manufacturing of organic fertilizers is already a legitimate industry by itself, separate and distinct from agriculture. It may not require giant factories or complicated machinery, but it still involves a manufacturing process that converts waste materials into products of value. At the very least, it should already qualify as a nationwide cottage industry capable of employing thousands of Filipinos.

More importantly, it could become one of the pillars of our national food security.

Today, the Philippines remains dangerously dependent on imported chemical fertilizers whose prices are dictated by foreign wars, oil shocks and shipping disruptions. The tensions in the Middle East and the uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz should already serve as a wake-up call. If oil supplies become restricted, fertilizer prices will rise further, transport costs will soar, and eventually food prices will follow.

We have already seen this happen during previous fuel crises, when the government had to scramble for foreign sources of diesel, gasoline and LPG. Do we really want the same situation to happen to fertilizers? Because if fertilizer supplies collapse, food production will also collapse.

Some people still look down on organic fertilizers as if they are “not good enough.” But what happens if synthetic fertilizers become unavailable? Will we simply stop farming? That way of thinking is dangerous.

The truth is that organic fertilizers are not inferior. In many cases, they are safer, cheaper and more sustainable. Critics argue that larger volumes are needed compared to chemical fertilizers, but they forget one important fact: organic fertilizers cost much less. Even if farmers use more volume, the total cost can still be lower.

Besides, organic fertilizers improve soil structure, moisture retention and microbial life. Chemical fertilizers may produce quick results, but overuse often damages the soil in the long run.

I have also heard proposals to build local chemical fertilizer plants. That may sound attractive, but where will we get the raw materials? Most nitrogen fertilizers still depend on imported fossil fuel inputs. Building giant factories will take years and benefit only a few large corporations.

Meanwhile, farmers themselves can already produce organic fertilizers immediately.

The process is simple. Farm waste and kitchen waste can be shredded and composted. The compost is then fed to African Night Crawlers, earthworms that produce vermicast—a high-quality organic fertilizer. Instead of importing expensive chemicals, we could produce fertilizer from our own garbage.

That is not theory anymore. In some local government programs, biodegradable waste is already being converted into organic fertilizers, reducing garbage hauling costs while supporting agriculture. Imagine if every province, every city and every municipality would do the same.

Why not let the government buy vermicast from thousands of small producers nationwide instead of subsidizing imports from abroad? That would not be a doleout or “ayuda.” It would be a real economic transaction. Farmers would produce something valuable, and the government would support local industry while strengthening food security.

The money is already there. The government has billions allocated for subsidies and emergency assistance. Why not redirect part of these funds toward community composting centers, biofertilizer laboratories and vermiculture projects in every province?

This is not merely an environmental issue anymore. It is already a national security issue.

If we fail to prepare now and fertilizer shortages eventually lead to food shortages, it will already be too late. We should not wait for a full-blown agricultural crisis before recognizing the importance of the organic fertilizer industry.

This is therefore my urgent appeal to the President: support the organic fertilizer industry now while there is still time. By doing so, we are not only helping farmers—we are protecting the future food security of the Filipino nation.

RAMON IKE V. SENERES

www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com senseneres.blogspot.com 09088877282/06-09-2027

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