Farmer checking balanced fertilization recommendations.
Farmers in Bicol, Negros, and Laguna may now save PhP2,000 to PhP4,000 per hectare by adopting the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) being promoted under the Abonong Swak: Swak sa badyet, Swak sa palay campaign of the DA-PhilRice in partnership with the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI). RCEF Units of Bicol and Negros stations introduced combo fertilizer options to farmers in Southern Leyte, Masbate, Western Samar, Aklan, Capiz, and Bohol. Nutrient Branch Stations roll out Abonong Swak management expert Wilfredo B. Collado explained the importance of BFS during a virtual Lakbay Palay campaign on Los Baños station’s Facebook page.
The campaign also encourages farmers to use diagnostic tools such as Minus-One-Element Technique (MOET) kit, soil test kits, Rice Crop Manager Advisory Service (RCMAS), Leaf Color Chart (LCC), and ICT-based tools available online for more precise recommendations.
