The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) closely monitors the plans of the Department of Agriculture to buy biofertilizers due to fears of overpricing.
SINAG chairperson Rosendo So revealed on Tuesday, May 15, that DA, so far, did not go through with the procurement of biofertilizer but fears that the agency will proceed with the acquisition in the future.
"So far, hindi naman nila tinuloy," So said during DZRH's Magandang Umaga Pilipinas.
"Binabantayan natin dahil baka dini-delay lang. Dapat tutukan mabuti kasi magugulat ka sa presyo," he added.
SINAG earlier urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to revoke DA memorandum order no. 32 sets the guidelines for the distribution and use of biofertilizers.
The group disagrees with the order that claims DA will save at least Php 2,000 per hectare by shifting to biofertilizer, which costs Php 2,000 per hectare, from urea fertilizer, which costs Php 4,000 per hectare.
SINAG described the order as 'flawed', and said that urea fertilizer only costs Php 2,200 per hectare.
The farmers' organization also insists that biofertilizers have not yet been proven to produce higher yields and to be more cost-efficient for rice farmers.
"Kahapon, may bidding sa Region III, ang presyo na lang ng urea na nag-bid doon sa DA ay Php 1,180. Yung Php 2,000 talaga na basis nila ay masyadong mataas," So shared.
