Why do farmers apply agrochemicals

Farmers use agrochemicals for a number of reasons, but the primary two are that they wish to reduce the risk associated with a certain pest, thus they want to take some form of action. They then choose to apply an agrochemical as it often requires less time. For example, to weed a field can take 120 hours of hand labor or 4 hours of spraying.

Unfortunately many farmers do not understand proper application techniques or the dangers often associated with agrochemical use.

Notice how the farmer is using poor application practices (i.e., no protective clothing). This is typical of applications in the region.