SANTA ROSA, Nueva Ecija — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is intensifying measures to protect farmers from fluctuating fertilizer costs, as Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. joined over 100 rice farmers in a harvest festival highlighting a more affordable fertilization method.

The pilot project, implemented on 10 hectares in this major rice-producing town, comes amid continued increases in urea prices driven by global oil and gas market volatility linked to tensions in the Middle East. The initiative forms part of government efforts to cushion farmers from energy-related price shocks while maintaining crop yields.

The program also aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to enhance farmers’ incomes and lower production expenses.

“This is about protecting farmers from price volatility while keeping productivity intact,” Tiu Laurel said, noting the need to rethink input strategies as production costs rise.

Under the new protocol, farmers begin by applying one bag per hectare of ammonium sulfate during seedbed preparation before transplanting. This is followed by the application of two bags per hectare of high-nitrogen 21-0-0 fertilizer within the first two weeks to support early plant growth.

Between 18 to 25 days after planting, farmers shift to balanced liquid fertilizers such as 16-16-8 or 14-14-14 to enhance root development and nutrient absorption. In the later stages, potassium-rich fertilizers including 17-0-17 or 0-0-60 are applied to improve grain filling and strengthen plant resilience.

A key component of the approach is the use of fish amino acid, a homemade organic supplement applied up to 12 times from transplanting until just before harvest. The supplement serves as an alternative nitrogen source, supports plant tillering, and promotes healthier soil microbial activity.

Tiu Laurel said integrating organic inputs with targeted chemical use could reduce reliance on urea without affecting productivity. “We are optimizing accessible inputs while lowering farmers’ cost exposure,” he said.

Agriculture officials said the initiative is part of a broader transition toward cost-efficient and climate-resilient farming practices. Widespread adoption could help stabilize production costs, increase farm incomes, and reduce the sector’s exposure to global energy-driven price fluctuations.

“This is just one of several protocols we are testing nationwide as part of a broader push for regenerative farming aimed at eventually minimizing, if not eliminating, the use of inorganic fertilizers. The ongoing energy crisis presents an opportunity to accelerate these efforts,” Tiu Laurel said.

Rising fertilizer costs have been aggravated by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has pushed up prices of fossil fuel-based inputs, further straining farmers’ budgets and contributing to higher food prices.

“This festival is not just about the volume of the harvest, but the depth of where it comes from,” Tiu Laurel said. “Every grain of rice carries a story of hard work, resilience, and hope for every Filipino family.”