SRA lab to raise production of BMO as fertilizer additive

BACOLOD CITY -- The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has established a research laboratory in Negros Occidental to increase production of beneficial micro-organisms (BMO) as supplement to inorganic fertilizer to bring down expenses of sugarcane growers. In a statement on Sunday, the SRA said the PHP6-million facility was inaugurated at the La Granja Agricultural Research and Extension Center in La Carlota City in rites led by Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona on Sept. 6. Its establishment is funded through the Sugar Industry Development Act. Supervising science research specialist Ma. Theresa Alejandrino said they aim to increase capacity to produce BMO, which has been proven effective as a fertilizer additive, thus, reducing cost of production inputs. "BMO proved helpful during the prolonged dry spell early this year. It is a foliar fertilizer and can reduce regular fertilizer inputs by about 30 percent or more," she added. Alejandrino said the technology has been used since the 1990's, but farmers became interested in using it only recently amid the rising cost of fertilizers. In 2023, SRA distributed more than 10,000 gallons of BMO to at least 200 beneficiaries. More than 1,000 hectares of sugar land used BMO as fertilizer supplement through the application of 10 gallons per one hectare. SRA study shows using BMO promotes germination, flowering, fruition and ripening of plants. Alejandrino said it also "improves the physical, chemical and biological environment of the soil and produces high levels of beneficial enzymes and organic acids that help build solid soil structure." SRA Board Member David Sanson said rising cost of farm inputs, particularly fertilizer cost, has had a tremendous effect on sugar farming in recent years. 'Through this facility, SRA can increase BMO production that we hope can be utilized by our farmers, especially the small farmers who comprise a huge chunk of our sugar producers, and make sugar farming sustainable for them,' he said. Citing data gathered from the field, Sanson said sugar farmers were able to save as much as PHP6,000 on fertilizer cost for each hectare by opting for BMO. Source: Philippines News agency