How Farmers can identify credible sources of information, and analyze & debunk Fake News and Misinformation?

Over 50% of Indians are active internet users and will exceed 900M by 2025[1]. A majority of the population resides in rural areas and the farming & agricultural population comprises a major chunk of the digital/internet population.

With the explosion of digital content in the past decade, the internet is playing a crucial role in various day-to-day activities of farmers. Government Schemes and Subsidies in Farming, Health, Personal Finance, Online Education, etc all happen over the Internet. The Internet has empowered farmers and has been an essential tool on a day-to-day basis.

Indian farmers hold a crucial role in nurturing the nation and propelling its advancement. Nevertheless, alongside the boons of modern technology, farmers grapple with an expansive ocean of data, including a rising tide of counterfeit news and misleading content.

Within this discourse, we shall delve into the ways through which Indian farmers can unearth dependable sources, scrutinize data, and unravel the web of false narratives, thereby empowering themselves to make better choices that steer their journey towards triumph.

The digital realm, alongside the realms of social media, has revolutionized the manner in which information is procured and disseminated. While this unfurls boundless avenues, it also begets the predicament of deception.

Spreading wrong information can cause severe problems in farming, affecting things like which crops to choose and how to sell them. So, it's really important for farmers to learn how to differentiate between what's true and what's not. This skill helps protect them from major economic losses.  

Identifying Credible Sources

The farming community can empower themselves with accurate and relevant information. Farmers can access credible information and verify its authenticity by utilizing government portals, established news outlets, academic institutions, and peer networks. Moreover, getting better at understanding digital literacy helps them to differentiate between correct & fake news. This helps them make smart choices for their farming. Let us look at these reliable sources that farmers can trust:

[A] Government Portals: Government websites, such as those operated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, ICAR, give accurate information on policies, schemes, and agricultural practices. PIB can also identify 'Fake Content' about government schemes & policies, and ask Facebook and Twitter to remove it.

[B] Established News Outlets: Trusted news organizations, both national and local, are regarded as reliable sources of accurate information. Look for well-known publications, media outlets, and online news platforms.

News content can be verified with:

1. Publisher Name - Check for publisher name, The majority of the fake news publishers publish content on websites with similar phonetic names that mimics the trusted brand or a government website.
2. Author of the News - A trusted author is less likely to publish misinform/click-bait/fake content and reverse-checking the author on Google may give more details about the author.
3. Citations and References - A responsible author and publisher will include the Citations and References to the claim or critical information being published on the article/news. Cross Checking the details can give you a better understanding on the topic.
4. Compare with other Sources - A quick comparison of the content of the news/article with similar content if available can give you a better idea on the topic. If more than one source has published the same info then there are better chances that the data is correct.

[C] Academic and Research Institutions: Universities and research institutions provide practical suggestions that are supported by scientific findings. Their findings can help farmers make better-informed decisions.

Thorough analysis allows for the verification of a research paper or document:

• Cross-Reference: Verify information from multiple credible sources. Consistency across sources adds more weightage to accuracy of the information.
• Author's Credentials: Research the author & co-author's qualifications and expertise in that subject matter. Trustworthy sources are often authored by domain experts.
• Check the Date: Ensure that the information is up-to-date. Agriculture is a dynamic field, and practices can change with the passage of time.
• Logical Assessment: Analyse the logic & coherence of the information presented. Be cautious of exaggerated claims or emotionally charged language.

[D] Peer-to-Peer (F2F - Farmer to Farmer) Fact Check: Talk to your peers and fellow farmers, get their views and inputs on the information you’re seeing and share your own insights. Join a farmer’s association or a cooperative, attend workshops and training sessions and discuss the information that you’re not sure about and get inputs from other farmers.

Cross Checking the Article/News with Google FactCheck Tool and other reliable FactCheck Websites 

There are various FactChecking websites that publish Fake news/content being circulated on the internet. Google has a dedicated tool[2]  that collects and compiles the Fake News being published by various publishers. 

1. Fact-Checking Sites: Use fact-checking websites that are approved by the IFCN. These platforms provide unbiased assessments of widely circulated claims. Some of the websites that you can use to FactCheck are: PIB FactCheck, FactChecker, The Quint WebbQoof, WhatsApp Verified FactCheck Numbers
2. Seek Expert Opinions: Reach out to your local agricultural experts or extension services for clarification on technical matters. Their insights can help dispel misinformation.
3. Text Search: Digital Text based misinformation can be fact-checked by searching on search engines like Google and Bing, and follow the steps mentioned in [B]. Always look for the source and cross-checking the websites publishing such content for their credibility like the About Us/Contact Us/Page Info page etc will give some signals of authenticity. Offline text based validated by sharing and discussing with the peers and taking consultations from the local expert like the Scientist at KVK.
4. Reverse Image Search: Visuals can be manipulated to convey false information. Use reverse image search tools to determine the authenticity of images.

Promoting Digital Literacy:

With the Internet giving more power, there comes more responsibility towards the farming community. 

1. Responsible Sharing: Before sharing information on social media platforms, ensure its accuracy. By not forwarding fake news or content, you contribute to a healthier online ecosystem.
2. Community Education: Farmers can organize workshops or information sessions on digital media literacy. Sharing knowledge within the community helps everyone stay informed and make better decisions.
3. Question Your Beliefs: Maintain an open mind and apply your own critical thinking skills and be willing to change your viewpoint based on credible evidence. Being critical of your own beliefs is essential.

In a dynamic setting, Indian farmers can use information to improve their farming practices and livelihoods. By becoming adept at identifying credible sources, critically analyzing information, and debunking fake news, farmers can make well-informed decisions that positively impact their yield, income, and overall success. With these skills, Indian farmers stand as informed and empowered guardians of the nation's food security and prosperity. 

It is important to note that no source is 100% credible. Even the most reputable sources can make mistakes. However, by following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding accurate information.

Resources:

PIB FactCheck: WhatsApp +91 8799711259, Email:socialmedia@pib.gov.in  Website: https://factcheck.pib.gov.in/

Reverse Image Search Image

1. https://newsinitiative.withgoogle.com/en-gb/resources/trainings/investigative-reporting/verification-advanced-reverse-image-search/
2. https://tineye.com 

Chrome Plugins and Extensions

1. https://newsinitiative.withgoogle.com/en-gb/resources/trainings/investigative-reporting/verification-chrome-plugins-and-extensions/

Image Generated by Midjourney AI