By CESAR JOLITO III
The Philippine government is taking steps to ensure a stable supply of fuel and fertilizer for the country’s sugar industry as it enters the most resource-intensive stage of the harvest season, amid concerns that the ongoing tensions in the Middle East could disrupt global petroleum supplies.
In a statement released March 13, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) said they are coordinating with other government agencies to safeguard key agricultural inputs needed by sugar farmers across the country.
The agencies warned that any disruption in petroleum supply could affect farm operations, particularly during the peak harvest period when fuel consumption significantly increases.
Farmers rely heavily on fuel for harvesting sugarcane, transporting crops to mills, operating irrigation systems, and running tractors for land preparation.
At the same time, sugar producers are beginning fertilizer application for the next planting cycle, further increasing the demand for essential farm inputs.
SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona said the agency has already sought the assistance of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. to raise the industry’s concerns with the Department of Energy (DOE) and other relevant government offices.
“We have asked the help of Secretary Tiu Laurel to bring the problems of our sugar farmers caused by the Middle East conflict to the DOE and other government agencies,” Azcona said.
The issue was earlier raised by SRA board member and farmer representative David Sanson, who requested sugar federations to submit recommendations on possible government interventions should global tensions trigger supply shortages or price increases in petroleum-based farm inputs.
Tiu Laurel assured stakeholders that the government is aware of the situation and is working to maintain stable access to essential farm supplies.
“We will work to ensure a stable supply of fuel and fertilizer, as well as other inputs — not only for sugar farmers — but for all Filipino farmers and fisherfolks,” he said./CJ, WDJ