Authorities have opened an investigation into the sale of fake fertilizers in several towns in Pangasinan.

According to the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), there have been numerous arrests made after the discovery of the counterfeit fertilizer.

"Mostly Nueva Ecija and Tarlac ang nagpo-produce ng fake fertilizer. May nahuli dito sa Pangasinan, Binalonan, Villasis and Rosales sa Pangasinan, sa Ilocos Sur at La Union may nahuli din so tuloy-tuloy ang entrapment [sa mga nagbebenta ng fake fertilizer],” Engr. Rosendo So, Chairman of the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura, said.

The fake fertilizers are being sold at half the price of the genuine product.

Farmers are warned to exercise caution when buying fertilizers.

In Mangaldan, Pangasinan, the Municipal Agriculture Office reminded farmers to purchase fertilizers only from accredited fertilizer stalls.

"Nag e-evaluate tayo [regularly] kaya nalalaman natin kung may mga fake na fertilizer… twice a week tayong nag-iikot," Merlie Cuison-Sali, the Municipal Agriculturist, said.

Cardo Cerezo, a farmer, reported purchasing and trying counterfeit fertilizer. It did not work.

"Nasubukan ko na [ang fake fertilizer], hindi lumalaki ang tanim… walang bisa," he said.

Martin Biazon, another farmer, hopes that the issue won't escalate in their town.

"Sana hindi na umabot dito sa bayan namin kasi mahirap kapag peke ang fertilizer," he said.

Vegetables and fruits are also affected by the distribution of fake fertilizers.