Sri Lanka’s organic farming initiative during 2021–2022 serves as a stark example of how policy changes can lead to catastrophic food insecurity, underscoring the need to address risks and uncertainties when implementing sudden agricultural/economic policy changes.
Although Sri Lanka operates under a democratic political system, where the will of the people is reflected in the governance and decision-making processes, misinformation and disinformation empowered a political movement to play a crucial role in influencing the ruling government by shaping agricultural policies and practices in Sri Lanka in 2021. This political movement included those that promoted organic farming to improve sustainability, advocated reductions in the use of chemical inputs, and those promoted healthier food systems.
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To prevent the spread of misinformation and disinformation, government organisations and individuals should follow a set of principles. These principles include identifying the person responsible for information and information dissemination, analysing information, and organising information. In the fight against information disorders, it is important to recognise the potential harm that false information can cause.
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The point highlighted here is not that diverse voices should not be heard loudly and clearly, but that a voice proposing to speak of science must have rigorous supporting evidence.
