Which of the following is an objective of pest management?

In pest management, one of the primary objectives is to minimize crop loss and damage. This goal is vital for sustaining agricultural productivity and ensuring economic viability for farmers. Effective pest management practices aim to control the population of pests in a way that reduces their impact on crop yields and quality. This may involve an integrated approach that utilizes various methods, including biological control, cultural practices, and targeted pesticide applications when necessary, to ensure that crops remain healthy and productive.

Focusing solely on maximizing pesticide use, which is presented as one option, does not align with sustainable practices or the broader goals of pest management. Similarly, promoting monoculture farming is counterproductive because it can create environments that are more susceptible to pest outbreaks due to reduced biodiversity. Lastly, promoting pesticide resistance would be detrimental as it could lead to pests that are harder to control in the future, ultimately increasing crop loss and damage rather than minimizing it. Therefore, minimizing crop loss and damage through effective pest management strategies is essential for maintaining agricultural health and profitability.