What is the primary purpose of using pesticides?

The primary purpose of using pesticides is to control pests that harm crops or spread diseases. Pests, which can include insects, weeds, fungi, and other organisms, pose significant threats to agricultural production and can lead to reduced crop yields, compromised crop quality, and the spread of plant diseases. By effectively managing these pests, pesticide use helps protect crops, ensuring food security and supporting agricultural sustainability.

While enhancing crop nutrition, promoting soil health, and improving water retention in soil are important aspects of agricultural practices, these are not the main objectives of pesticide application. Pesticides specifically target harmful organisms with the intent of minimizing their negative impacts on crops, allowing for healthier plant growth and more productive harvests. Thus, the focus on pest control underscores the critical role pesticides play in modern agriculture and food production.