CORTES, Surigao del Sur -- The Department of Agriculture spearheaded  a field day for a Balanced Fertilizer Strategy (BFS) dubbed as "Abonong Swak" in Barangay Burgos, Cortes, Surigao del Sur recently,

The activity showcased the different applications of the three (3) combos that enable rice farmers to harvest up to 7 to 8 tons per hectare.

Around 40 farmers from different farmers' cooperatives and associations (FCAs) attended the demonstration.

 The "Abonong Swak" encourages and pushes the proper use of combined organic and inorganic fertilizers to satisfy the nutritional requirements needed for the crops and maintain the fertility of the soil. It also addresses  the issue of the ongoing rise in fertilizer prices.

These are the three options based on yield targets under Abonong Swak presented and elaborated on the farmers. The Combo 1 entails 3,000 to 4,000 kilograms (kgs) per hectare (ha) target production; Combo 2 has 5,000 to 6,000 kgs per ha target production; while Combo 3 includes 7,000 to 8,000 kgs per ha target production.

Meanwhile, Cortes Mayor Josie M. Bonifacio, LGU officials, and Provincial Agriculturist Marcos Quico graced the event. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Surigao del Sur)