What is the primary purpose of pesticides?

The primary purpose of pesticides is to control pests. Pests can include a variety of organisms such as insects, weeds, fungi, and rodents that threaten crops, livestock, or human health. The use of pesticides helps to mitigate the damage these pests can cause, thereby protecting agricultural productivity and ensuring the safety and quality of food supplies.

Pesticides are specifically designed to target and reduce populations of harmful organisms, which allows for more effective management of these threats. This focus on pest control is essential for maintaining healthy plants and ensuring successful agricultural practices, ultimately supporting the ecosystem and economy.

The other options, while related to agriculture and environment, do not define the primary function of pesticides. Enhancing plant growth, increasing soil fertility, and managing water supply are important agricultural practices, but they are not the main goal of pesticide application. Instead, those objectives may be achieved through alternative means or integrate with pest control strategies, but they do not directly reflect the purpose of pesticide use.