Farmers warned vs fake fertilizers

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan: The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) has warned farmers of proliferating fake fertilizers in the region.

Leo Bangad, FPA Region 2 manager, said during an interview over radio DZDA 105.3 "Agritungtungan" program that the farmers should see to it that the fertilizers they are buying are those that are genuine.

"There are unscrupulous persons taking advantage of the limited supply of fertilizers, like Triple 14, aggravated by the soaring prices triggered by the Ukraine-Russia conflict," Bangad also said.

He added that the FPA has discovered fake fertilizers in sacks in Region 2 being peddled by merchants.

"These sacks bear faded markings of a reputable fertilizer manufacturer, and when opened, the texture of the granular beads also are of a pale different color," Bangad said.

After they conducted a content analysis, they found the fertilizers to be fake.

"These were sold by perpetrators at the same price as a legitimate fertilizer so as not to be noticed," Bangad said.

He also warned farmers of these fake fertilizers in sacks that can be easily identified through their label as the printing is lighter and whose texture and color are different from the original.

"We are advising farmers to buy from agri-supplies and dealers accredited by the FPA. Let us all be vigilant on this issue of nefarious people taking advantage of our smallholding farmers," Bangad said.

Source: TheManila Times