News Summary
Krishna Mano, an 11th grader at City High School, has won a prestigious award for his app ‘Krishi’ aimed at helping local farmers sell their produce online. Recognized by Congresswoman Hillary Scholten in Washington D.C., Mano’s app bridges the gap between farmers and consumers, addressing waste from unsold produce. The app is in its pilot phase and has received positive feedback from local farmers. Mano hopes to inspire fellow students to create impactful projects while advocating for sustainability in agriculture.
Grand Rapids – Krishna Mano, an 11th grader at City High School, has garnered attention for winning a prestigious award in Washington D.C. for his innovative app known as “Krishi.” The app is specifically designed to support local farmers by facilitating the online sale and delivery of their produce, effectively bridging the gap between producers and consumers.
The term “Krishi,” which translates to agriculture in both Sanskrit and Hindi, reflects the app’s core purpose. Mano initially conceived the idea during a school project in 10th grade, driven by a desire to combine his interests in computer science and community impact. His motivation stemmed from conversations with local farmers at the Fulton Street Farmers Market, who highlighted the issue of unsold produce leading to waste.
The functionality of Krishi is user-friendly. Farmers can create profiles that allow them to list their produce and update their inventory in real time. Consumers can then browse nearby farms and place orders for fresh produce directly through the app. Much like popular food delivery services such as Uber Eats and DoorDash, Krishi also includes a feature for drivers who are able to sign up and respond to incoming delivery requests in their area.
Currently, the app is in its pilot phase. Early adopters among the local farming community have provided positive feedback, indicating strong support for its potential to enhance market access and reduce wastage. Mano’s own background reinforces his passion for agriculture; his family has operated a farm in southern India since the 1930s, giving him a unique perspective on the challenges faced by farmers.
Mano submitted Krishi for the Congressional App Challenge, a competition designed to encourage students to create original software applications. He was recognized as the winner by Congresswoman Hillary Scholten for the 2023 competition. This accolade included a trip to Washington D.C. during spring break, where winners from each congressional district were honored for their innovative contributions.
In reflecting on his achievement, Mano emphasizes that students possess the capability to make a significant impact when empowered to pursue their ideas. He credits supportive teachers and mentors who guided him through the app development process and believes that the initiative can inspire fellow students to take on their own projects.
Mano’s aspirations extend beyond app development; he plans to pursue a career in public policy and international relations after completing high school. His conviction in the agricultural industry’s role within the food supply chain is evident, and he advocates for community sustainability initiatives. He sees technology as a powerful tool to connect people globally in exploring various initiatives that promote sustainability.
For those interested in following the progress of Krishi and its full launch, Mano encourages the community to visit his website, where updates will be posted. His combination of technological innovation and community service showcases the potential for young individuals to create meaningful change and contribute to local economies.
The Krishi app stands as an exemplary model of how student-led initiatives can tackle real-world challenges. By enhancing the connection between farmers and consumers, it not only supports local agriculture but also has the potential to minimize waste and promote sustainable practices in the community.
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Additional Resources
- WZZM 13: High School Student Creates Online Farmers Market with App
- Wikipedia: Agriculture
- WZZM 13: Grand Rapids Teen Creates Online Farmers Market
- Google Search: Online Farmers Market
- WZZM 13: Krishna Mano Wins Congressional App Challenge
- Google Scholar: Agricultural Technology
- WZZM 13: Impact of Technology on Agriculture
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sustainable Development
- WZZM 13: Importance of Local Farming
- Google News: Sustainable Agriculture
