Senator Imee Marcos warns of looming agricultural crisis amid rising fertilizer costs

Senator Imee Marcos warned about a possible agricultural crisis driven by rising fertilizer costs and potential supply shortages.

“Prices are already rising, and there’s even the possibility of supply shortages. If this happens, production will fall and rice prices will climb even higher,” Marcos said.

The Senator noted that these increases directly threaten rice production and market prices, potentially pushing rice to ₱55–₱60 per kilo.

The senator also claimed that certain groups are once again positioning themselves to exploit the situation.

“Whenever there’s a crisis, opportunists profit. This is no longer just coincidence—it’s been turned into a business!” she said.

She recalled the 2023 initiative to use biofertilizers to lower production costs and reduce reliance on imports.

These efforts have faced significant issues. “There were two distributors in Kadiwa who were able to sell rice at ₱25 per kilo back then, without subsidies, simply through proper use of biofertilizer,” she said.

However, she claimed that some within the government blocked the effort.

he senator also stressed that certain groups are once again positioning themselves to exploit the situation.

“Whenever there’s a crisis, opportunists profit. This is no longer just coincidence—it’s been turned into a business!” she said.

Marcos recalled the 2023 initiative to promote the use of biofertilizer as a practical way to reduce production costs, alongside the goal of achieving ₱20-per-kilo rice.

“There were two distributors in Kadiwa who were able to sell rice at ₱25 per kilo back then, without subsidies, simply through proper use of biofertilizer,” she emphasized.

However, she claimed that some within the government blocked the effort.

“The Department of Agriculture and Congress backed out because they didn’t want to displace the big fertilizer importers who are used to handling billions in funds.”

Marcos also questioned the continued reliance on imported fertilizer. “We have our own solution—why isn’t it being strengthened? What happened to locally made biofertilizer?”

Marcos said strengthening local solutions, such as biofertilizers, may help stabilize supply and protect Filipino consumers and farmers from further price hikes.

Based on sector data, the price of palay could reach ₱17–₱20 per kilo, which may push rice prices to ₱55–₱60 per kilo or even higher.

“If supply isn’t fixed and farmers’ costs aren’t reduced, our food itself will be put at risk. Strengthen local solutions like biofertilizer, and don’t let the crisis be turned into profit at the expense of Filipinos,” Marcos said.

-Paraluman News