Harvest Direct: AI-Powered Freshness &Transactions

Abstract

The "Harvest Direct" project is a mobile application aimed at transforming the agricultural marketplace by directly connecting farmers with buyers, eliminating the need for intermediaries and ensuring fairer prices for both parties. The app features an AI-powered freshness detection system, using a MobileNetV2-based machine learning model to evaluate the quality of apples based on visual attributes, such as color and texture, ensuring that consumers can make informed purchasing decisions. Designed with user accessibility in mind, the app is particularly suited for rural farmers with limited technological experience, offering an intuitive interface, a 24/7 AI chatbot for real-time assistance, and secure transactions powered by Firebase for ease of use and data security. The platform allows farmers to upload product listings, set their own prices based on product quality, and manage orders without third-party involvement, thus promoting fair trade and improved profitability. It also supports bulk orders for businesses, such as restaurants and wholesalers, providing a streamlined approach to acquiring fresh produce. This project integrates essential features such as user authentication, a real-time database, and AI-powered tools, aiming to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers, create a more efficient supply chain, reduce food waste, and support sustainable farming practices. Future developments will expand the app’s functionality to include additional produce categories, enhanced freshness detection, and more advanced AI features ensuring continued innovation in the agricultural sector.