Navigating Agricultural Expansion in Harsh Conditions in Russia: Balancing Development with Insect Protection in the Era of Pesticides

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Insects play a crucial role in the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. Chemical pest control methods continue to dominate in addressing food security issues in Russia. However, competent research on the impact of pesticides on non-target insect species is critically lacking both globally and in Russia. The article highlights the challenges of studying the effects of pesticides on insects and the vulnerability of insects to pesticides in regions with harsh conditions. It calls for the development of new sustainable agricultural practices to ensure coexistence between pest control and sustainable development. Furthermore, the article emphasises the importance of a legal framework regulating pesticide use and discusses new successful methods of sustainable farming. These findings contribute to the progress of the research discipline by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and striking a balance between agricultural expansion and insect protection. The focus on the significance of sustainable agriculture in harsh conditions also has implications for other regions facing similar challenges. ABSTRACT: As the world’s population continues to increase, ensuring food security becomes a major problem. This often leads to the expansion of agricultural production, even in harsh conditions and becomes a key problem for many countries, including Russia. However, such expansion may entail certain costs, including the potential loss of insect populations, which are vital for ecological balance and agricultural productivity. The development of fallow lands in these regions is necessary to increase food production and increase food security; it is important to balance this with protection from harmful insects and sustainable farming methods. Research into the effects of insecticides on insects is an ongoing challenge, and new, sustainable farming methods are needed to ensure that protection from harmful insects and sustainable development can coexist. This article discusses the use of pesticides to protect the well-being of mankind, the problems of studying the effects of pesticides on insects and the vulnerability of insects to pesticides in regions with harsh conditions. It also discusses successful methods of sustainable agriculture and the importance of the legal framework governing the use of pesticides. The article emphasises the importance of balanced development with insect protection to ensure the sustainability of agricultural expansion in harsh conditions.