What is the primary reason for using pesticides?

The primary reason for using pesticides is to manage pest populations that harm crops and health. Pesticides are formulated to target specific pests, including insects, weeds, fungi, and other organisms that can adversely affect agricultural production and human health. By effectively controlling these pest populations, pesticides help ensure the stability and yield of crops, thereby securing food sources and preventing the spread of diseases that pests can carry.

While enhancing marketability, increasing profit margins for farmers, and maintaining the visual appeal of landscapes are important considerations in agricultural and horticultural practices, they are secondary effects of pest management. The essential purpose of pesticides is centered around the protection of crops and health through the proactive management of harmful pest populations. This foundational goal underscores the role of pesticides in sustainable agriculture and public health.