<p>Pesticide overuse was defined as the application of active ingredients at rates exceeding the officially recommended doses. We examined farmers’ pesticide overuse and perceptions of environmental degradation in three districts of Punjab, Pakistan. The findings revealed that 42% and 37% of farmers perceived pesticides as contributing to air pollution and biodiversity loss, respectively. The results further showed that pesticide overuse and farmers’ perceptions of environmental degradation were significantly associated with farm size, media exposure, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), participation in farmer field school (FFS), and the application of World Health Organization (WHO) class III pesticides. Notably, retailers’ recommendations significantly increased pesticide overuse while simultaneously reducing farmers' perceptions of the seriousness of environmental degradation. These profit-driven dynamics appear to conflict with environmentally sustainable farming practices, increasing not only production costs but also risks to human health and ecosystems. The findings highlights the importance of educating both farmers and pesticide retailers about sustainable agricultural practices and the environmental and health risks associated with pesticide misuse. Strengthening collaboration among farming communities, agricultural stakeholders, and policymakers may therefore by essential for promoting more responsible pesticide use and reducing environmental degradation.</p>