The Department of Agriculture (DA) is intensifying efforts to safeguard the country’s food supply as rising fuel prices and the looming effects of El Niño pose risks to agricultural production.
Agriculture Undersecretary Asis Perez said the agency is preparing for worst-case scenarios to mitigate the impact on both farmers and consumers, stressing that the government is taking a proactive approach.
“The good thing about this is that we know what’s likely to happen and we’re able to set up a scenario of what’s going to happen and how to address them. The government is very proactive,” Perez said.
Despite these preparations, Perez admitted that more improvements are needed to strengthen the country’s readiness and response systems.
“Nobody is prepared for this. We’re making great strides so that we can immediately respond, and we have responded. But again, kulang pa iyan susubukan pa nating dagdagan at mas pabilisan,” he added.
Perez warned that soaring fuel and fertilizer costs could compel farmers to cut back on fertilizer use, potentially reducing crop yields.
At the same time, El Niño conditions are expected to increase reliance on irrigation, which could further drive up fuel consumption for water pumping.
To help ease these burdens, the DA has started distributing fuel subsidies to registered farmers and fisherfolk. The agency is also rolling out ₱10 billion in financial assistance under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fishers (PAFF) program, benefiting around 4.175 million individuals who will each receive ₱2,325.
In addition, half of the department’s ₱1 billion quick response fund (QRF) has been earmarked for the procurement of biofertilizers and other support measures.
Officials are also reviewing plans to reallocate part of the urea procurement budget toward more affordable liquid fertilizer alternatives.
“We are able to anticipate the challenge, and this early, we are banking on solutions. Ngayon pa lang may ginagawa na tayo to address those possible challenges,” Perez said.
Data from the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) showed that urea-prilled prices from March 30 to April 3 ranged from ₱1,832.50 to ₱2,592.50 per 50-kilogram bag, with a prevailing price of ₱2,181.46. Urea-granular averaged ₱2,226.67, while complete fertilizer (14-14-14) stood at ₱1,780.59 per bag.
Perez cautioned that maintaining a “business as usual” approach under current conditions could significantly impact agricultural output in the coming months, underscoring the urgency of sustained intervention and strategic planning.