The Philippines government has begun efforts to secure fuel and fertilizer supplies for the sugar industry as the sector moves into its most demanding harvest period, officials said on Friday, Manila Standard reported.
The Department of Agriculture and the Sugar Regulatory Administration have stated that they are coordinating with other government agencies to ensure that sugar producers have steady access to essential farm inputs.
The action comes amid concerns that the ongoing tensions in the Middle East could affect global petroleum supplies and push up fuel prices.
SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona said the agency has asked Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to take up the concerns of sugar farmers with the Department of Energy and other concerned agencies.
The issue was first raised by SRA board farmer representative David Sanson, who last week requested sugar federations to send suggestions on possible government measures if global tensions lead to supply shortages or price increases in petroleum-based farm inputs.
Fuel consumption usually rises during the peak harvest season as farmers cut sugarcane, transport it to mills and prepare their fields for the next crop. Farm machinery used for land preparation, irrigation and transportation largely depends on fuel.
At the same time, farmers begin applying fertilizers as they prepare for the next planting cycle.
Tiu Laurel said the government will work to maintain stable supplies of fuel, fertilizers and other inputs for farmers and fisherfolk across the country.
Industry officials said maintaining steady supplies of these inputs during the harvest peak is important to protect sugar production and avoid rising costs across the country’s sugar supply chain.
