1. Why it Matters for Best Outcomes

Pests and diseases are silent thieves — they can reduce yields by 20–40% if unchecked. How a farmer chooses and applies crop protection technologies (chemical pesticides, biopesticides, integrated pest management, resistant varieties, digital monitoring tools) determines both productivity and sustainability. This parameter reflects not just availability of tools but the mindset of adoption — reactive, preventive, or integrated.

2. When Technology Choices are Favorable

Farms that adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM) — combining resistant seeds, crop rotation, biological controls, timely spraying, and digital monitoring — achieve strong protection with minimal cost and damage. Farmers using safe, targeted chemicals, biocontrols, or climate-smart solutions reduce losses while protecting soil, water, and consumer safety. Early detection and timely intervention prevent major outbreaks.

3. When Technology Choices are Unfavorable

Over-reliance on chemicals leads to resistance in pests, residue issues in markets, and damage to beneficial organisms. Late or careless spraying often wastes money and reduces effectiveness. Farms ignoring crop protection entirely risk repeated losses, especially with climate-driven pest outbreaks. Wrong choices (e.g., using broad-spectrum chemicals indiscriminately) create long-term harm while giving only short-term relief.