BSWM launches digital platform to boost farm yields
MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) has launched an online platform designed to help farmers improve productivity and profitability through better planting decisions.
Called BSWM FertMap (fertilizer map), the platform is a georeferenced database that consolidates soil data and generates fertilizer recommendations based on the crop a farmer intends to cultivate
READ: BSWM deploys mobile soil laboratories to 3 municipalities in Tarlac
“This will maximize the yield by determining the period when it is most profitable to plant. Wala nang hula hula (No more guessing),” BSWM Director Gina Nilo said on the sidelines of BSWM’s anniversary celebration on Monday.
Nilo explained that FertMap helps farmers choose suitable crops based on soil and weather conditions, idetify optimal planting periods, and receive nutrient recommendations.
“The basic ingredients to make decisions are already there,” she told reporters. “That will give you the idea, the decision on what particular crop to plant.”
According to BSWM, the FertMap provides tailored recommendations based on the soil health of a specific planting area and offers expert-level insights to smallholder farmers at no extra cost.
Likewise, the information generated by the online platform can help reduce over-fertilization, or excessive fertilizer use, lowering production costs and mitigating harmful effects on the environment.
Moreover, Nilo said the platform recommends the appropriate amount of fertilizers, biofertilizers, and other farm inputs based on a crop’s nutrient needs.
BSWM said FertMap data helps local governments and the Department of Agriculture (DA) craft targeted agricultural policies and subsidy programs.
“Through this initiative, the DA-BSWM makes soil information more accessible not only to farmers, but also to researchers, academic institutions, and local government units supporting better decisions, research, and policies for sustainable agriculture,” it added.
Nilo said BSWM developed the “homegrown” online database through its National Soil Health Program aimed at revitalizing agricultural lands and improving soil health. /pai INQ
