How the drive for higher agricultural yields is impacting farmers

April 10, 2025

The pursuit of higher agricultural yields has driven immense productivity in modern farming. Farmers are constantly focused on increasing output to meet growing global demand. 

However, this drive often results in unintended consequences for their health. The focus on productivity has led to the widespread use of chemical inputs and intensive practices. These methods, while improving efficiency, are often detrimental to farmer health, sustainability, and the environment. 

As farmers strive for higher yields, they must weigh the long-term effects on their health and the sustainability of farming.

The Pressure to Maximize Yields
Increasing agricultural yields is now a central goal for farmers to meet rising global food demand. This push often leads to more intensive farming methods, such as denser crop planting and frequent seasons. 
While these practices increase productivity, they also cause soil depletion, biodiversity loss, and greater environmental harm. To keep up with demand, farmers rely heavily on chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and advanced machinery. 

 FAO notes that agriculture saw pesticide use reach 3.70 million tonnes of active ingredients in 2022. This marked a 4% increase compared to 2021, reflecting ongoing trends in pesticide reliance. Over the past decade, pesticide use has risen by 13%, with total usage doubling since 1990, highlighting the growing dependence on chemicals.
The growing reliance on technology to maximize output often results in increased costs for the farmer. As a result, financial stress continues to mount, and sustainability becomes more difficult to achieve.
How do technology costs affect farmers’ financial stability?
The growing reliance on advanced machinery and technology increases upfront and maintenance costs for farmers. Many small farmers struggle to afford these investments, leading to financial stress. This financial strain can compromise their ability to maintain sustainable farming practices and secure long-term profitability.

Health Implications of Intensive Farming
Intensive farming methods, including pesticide and fertilizer use, negatively impact farmers' health in various ways. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals leads to skin irritation, respiratory problems, and neurological damage. 
Many farmers working in such environments do not have proper protective gear, making them vulnerable to these risks. 
 ScienceDirect states that 69% of farmers used at least one form of PPE when applying pesticides. However, about one-third of farmers still chose not to wear any PPE when handling pesticides. This highlights a concerning gap in safety practices that could lead to serious health risks for farmworkers.
The cumulative effects of chemical exposure over the years are still not fully understood, which makes long-term health consequences difficult to predict. 
Additionally, farm workers are often exposed to harmful substances without the proper safety regulations or adequate training. A balance must be struck between productivity and safeguarding health for future generations.

What are the signs of pesticide poisoning in farmers?
Symptoms of pesticide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and skin rashes. Over time, chronic exposure can lead to severe conditions like respiratory problems and organ damage. Farmers should seek immediate medical attention if they experience these symptoms after pesticide exposure to prevent long-term health damage.

Herbicides: The Hidden Danger in the Field
Herbicides, essential tools for managing weeds in modern farming, pose significant risks to farmer health. These chemicals are commonly used to increase crop yields, but their misuse and overapplication can have lasting consequences. 
Springer highlights that herbicides used in agriculture can persist in soil, water, and air, posing long-term health risks. Studies show that residues from herbicides like glyphosate remain in crops, impacting human health and wildlife. Excessive herbicide use leads to toxic buildup, affecting ecosystems and increasing herbicide resistance in weeds, complicating agriculture.
Farmers who regularly handle herbicides risk exposure to harmful chemicals linked to respiratory issues and cancer. Prolonged exposure can also damage internal organs, leading to chronic health conditions. 
Many herbicides contain chemicals that disrupt hormonal and reproductive systems, leading to further long-term health complications. Despite these risks, herbicides remain widely used because they provide effective, cost-efficient solutions to weed management in large-scale farming operations.

Roundup and Its Growing Controversy
Roundup, a popular herbicide containing glyphosate, has come under scrutiny for its potential health risks. Numerous studies have shown that glyphosate may be linked to cancer, particularly non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. 
According to TorHoerman Law, the herbicide’s widespread use has led to lawsuits and calls for bans in several countries. Farmers who use Roundup often remain unaware of its carcinogenic properties, which are still hotly debated. Legal battles over Roundup have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements, highlighting the growing concern over its safety.
The Lawsuit Information Center reports that as of October 2024, Roundup’s manufacturer, Monsanto, settled nearly 100,000 Roundup lawsuits for $11 billion. These settlements cover two-thirds of Roundup claims, but 54,000 lawsuits remain active. This  Roundup lawsuit update mentions that 4,000 claims are still pending in the MDL Roundup class action lawsuit, primarily in California state courts.

Are there alternative herbicides to Roundup?
Alternative herbicides and weed control methods, such as organic herbicides, are available but less commonly used. These alternatives may be more environmentally friendly and less toxic to human health. However, their effectiveness can vary, and they may be more expensive compared to widely used chemicals like glyphosate.

Sustainability and the Future of Farming
The future of farming must balance high productivity with environmental sustainability to ensure long-term viability. Over-reliance on chemicals and heavy machinery, along with unsustainable farming practices, harms both the environment and farmer health. 
Soil degradation, water contamination, and loss of biodiversity all result from current farming practices focused on immediate yield gains. To create a sustainable future, farmers must explore practices like crop rotation, organic methods, and the use of natural fertilizers. 
Reducing dependence on harmful chemicals and increasing awareness of sustainable farming methods will help protect human health. These practices will also safeguard the environment for future generations.

Can technology improve farming sustainability?
Technology can enhance sustainability by improving resource efficiency, reducing waste, and optimizing crop management. Precision farming, for example, uses data to apply the right amount of water, fertilizer, and pesticides. By minimizing resource waste and environmental impact, technology supports more sustainable farming practices.
The drive for higher agricultural yields is crucial to meet growing food demands but comes with risks. Farmers are using chemicals and intensive farming methods to increase productivity, but these practices harm their health. Chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers pose long-term risks, affecting both farmers and the environment. 

To secure a sustainable future, farmers must prioritize eco-friendly practices and reduce chemical reliance. They can ensure long-term health and protect the planet by adopting responsible farming technologies and methods. It’s time to strike a balance between higher yields and environmental sustainability for a healthier farming future.