In a groundbreaking collaboration with Pi Jam Foundation, a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting affordable technology and quality Computer Science education, high school students at Kreeri HSS in Baramulla, have created the Apple Grader, a game-changing device set to revolutionize the apple grading procedure.
The innovative Apple Grader, which has garnered recognition during National Technology Week and secured a spot in the top 10 of the prestigious Youth IDEAthon 2022 competition, promises to empower local farmers by offering them an inexpensive and portable tool to effectively grade and market their apple harvest.
Previously, apple growers in the region faced significant challenges due to the expensive and cumbersome process of apple grading.
Local apple farmers in Kashmir face value discrimination while selling out their apples to the vendors as they do not have expensive apple grading systems during harvesting the apples at their farms.
However, this bright trio of students, consisting of Shakir Ahmad, Adnan Mushtaq, and Furqan Rashid, along with the guidance of Javed Ahmad from Higher Secondary School Kreeri Baramulla and the support from Surendra Bansode and Gulzar Akbar Najar of the Pi Jam Foundation, have designed a creative solution that will level the playing field for local growers.
One of the key elements that set the Apple Grader apart is the students’ use of contextual design thinking, leveraging the resources and knowledge provided by the Pi Jam Foundation and ATL Lab.
This approach has resulted in the creation of a portable, low-cost, and eco-friendly device that simplifies the process of washing, drying, cleaning, sorting and grading apples, benefiting orchardists in the area.
The coordinator of Pi-Jam, Gulzar Akbar Najar, expressed enthusiasm for the project, revealing that the first prototype of the Apple Grader will be available in the market within the next six months.
“The organization is also working on incorporating sensors to enhance the device’s capabilities,” he said.
Gulzar said that as the Apple Grader continues to undergo improvements and enhancements, it promises to transform the apple grading landscape, benefiting farmers and ensuring fair prices for their produce.
“This inspiring endeavor serves as a shining example of how the fusion of technology, education, and young talent can drive positive change in society,” he added.
Gulzar said the project is currently in progress, and they are looking to incorporate several upgrades in the form of sensors. The invention aims to assist orchardists in the washing, drying, wiping, and grading of apples. He mentioned that the portable device is not only low-cost and eco-friendly but also easy to use.
Furthermore, Gulzar pointed out that Pi Jam is involved in numerous projects across approximately 80 ATL locations throughout Kashmir.
“There are various ongoing projects where students work with great enthusiasm, including gas heaters, the Honey Bee project, and several other small initiatives, to name a few,” he added.
Gulzar said the efforts of the students were generously rewarded with a substantial incubation fund of Rs 1 lakh, further fueling their entrepreneurial aspirations and commitment to refining the Apple Grader.
The project has not only caught the attention of the local community but also gained recognition on a wider scale, as LG Union Territory Jammu and Kashmir and Deputy Commissioner praised the young inventors for their innovative creation.
