(Photo courtesy of PCO)
Marcos Directs Decentralized Seed, Fertilizer Distribution to Fix Farm Input Delays
QUEZON CITY (PIA) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Agriculture (DA) to decentralize the distribution of seeds and fertilizers, aiming to end long-standing delays that disrupt planting schedules and hurt farm productivity nationwide.
Speaking during an open forum after the 2026 General Assembly of the National Irrigation Administration–National Confederation of Irrigators Association (NIA–NCIA) on February 24, the President addressed concerns raised by farmers—particularly in Mindanao—about the late arrival of government-provided farm inputs.
“Our system has been too centralized,” Marcos said.
“The processing takes too long because we aren’t fully utilizing technology and coordination. I have instructed the DA to procure inputs early, before the planting season begins, and to store them locally so they are ready for immediate release,” he added.
To accelerate delivery and improve relevance, the President also announced the rollout of localized seedling production centers across regions. According to Marcos, this approach shortens distribution timelines and ensures farmers receive crop varieties best suited to local soil conditions and seasonal requirements.
Beyond logistics reform, the administration is scaling up digital and high-tech tools to anticipate and respond to farm needs more accurately. One initiative uses satellite mapping to flag areas facing pest outbreaks, irrigation gaps, or crop stress even before on-the-ground reports are submitted.
Another upgrade allows farmers to submit digital requests for seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs via online platforms—reducing the need to travel to DA or NIA offices. In parallel, real-time data from NIA’s water monitoring systems is being integrated with central databases in Manila to forecast demand and pre-position resources.
“Through digitalization, data goes straight to Manila, so we know exactly where the needs are,” the President explained.
“This year, farmers will feel the difference: faster delivery, more accurate inputs, and a more responsive bureaucracy,” he added.
NCIA President Remy Albano, representing more than 1.3 million farmers, welcomed the reforms and thanked the Marcos Jr. administration for solar-powered irrigation pumps and rice processing systems—support he said has boosted yields and restored “dignity” across farming communities. [via PIA]
via Bravo Filipino
