What is a key objective of pest management in agriculture?

The key objective of pest management in agriculture is to ensure sustainable crop production and protect resources. Sustainable pest management focuses on integrating various control strategies to balance the needs of agricultural productivity with environmental health. This approach recognizes that pests are a natural part of ecosystems and that complete eradication is often neither feasible nor desirable. Instead, effective management practices aim to maintain pest populations at levels that cause minimal harm to crops while preserving beneficial organisms and the surrounding environment.

By focusing on sustainability, pest management helps to safeguard soil health, water resources, and biodiversity, creating a more resilient agricultural system that can endure over the long term. This principle aligns with modern agricultural practices, which are increasingly emphasizing responsible resource use and ecological stewardship. Achieving sustainable crop production not only supports the immediate needs of farmers but also ensures that agricultural systems remain productive for future generations.