Kerala Class 10 student builds remote-controlled farm vehicle, wins state award

Anax Joshi and his invention (AI-Generated and onmanorama)

Farming is the lifeline of India. It’s a fact. The occupation supports millions of livelihoods and plays a crucial role in the country's economy. Yet, the work often involves long hours of physical labour and is tedious.

Understanding the issues, a class 10 student from Kerala has found an innovative way to make farmers’ task easy, combining technology and problem-solving to develop a multipurpose agricultural vehicle that farmers can operate remotely.Meet Anax Joshi, who is a young student from Idukki district. The young innovator has won the Bala Shastra Puraskaram (Junior Science Award), instituted by the Kerala State Sasthravedi, for his invention.Who is the young innovator?Anax studies at St Mary's High School, Vazhavara, in Kattappana. He has developed a remote-controlled vehicle aiming to help farmers carry out multiple agricultural activities without having to remain close to the equipment. His innovation has earned recognition for its potential to reduce physical labour, save time and make everyday farming operations more convenient.As per a report by Onmanorama, the young boy designed the vehicle to bring several farming functions together in a single machine.

Instead of depending on separate equipment for different field operations, farmers can use the multipurpose vehicle to perform various tasks while controlling it from a safe distance.A significant invention

Anax Joshi of Idukki (PC: onmanorama)

The invention is particularly significant in a profession where many routine activities require considerable physical effort. From working in the fields to handling agricultural equipment, farming can be labour-intensive.

His project explores how a relatively simple application of remote-control technology could help address some of these challenges.A practical idea rooted in the needs of farmersThe location matters. Kattappana, situated in Kerala's Idukki district, is surrounded by an agricultural landscape where cultivation is an important part of the local economy. The region is known for crops such as cardamom, pepper, tea, coffee and other spices.

Agriculture in the district also includes a significant number of small and marginal farmers.For farmers, completing different agricultural operations often means spending long hours working in the fields and handling equipment. Depending on the nature of the work, these activities can involve considerable physical effort. The need to manage multiple tasks can also increase the time and labour required to maintain a farm.What is the vehicle’s purposeAnax's multipurpose vehicle attempts to address this challenge through a single technological solution.Its remote-controlled mechanism allows the operator to manage field activities without having to stay alongside the machine throughout the operation. This distance-based operation is an important aspect of the project, particularly when farmers need to avoid direct exposure to certain field conditions or equipment.The idea also reflects a larger shift taking place in agriculture, where technology is increasingly being explored to make traditional farming practices more efficient. Mechanisation, automation and remote-operated equipment are being considered as ways to reduce dependence on manual labour and improve the productivity of agricultural operations.Anax receives state-level recognition

What is the vehicle’s purpose (AI-generated)​

Anax's work earned him the Bala Shastra Puraskaram, also known as the Junior Science Award, instituted by the Kerala State Sasthravedi.

The recognition celebrates young minds who demonstrate scientific curiosity, innovative thinking and the ability to develop solutions to practical problems.According to Onmanorama, Anax is the son of Joshi Sebastian and Jaisy Joshi, who hail from Thundathil, Nalumukku. He is currently pursuing his Class 10 education at St Mary's High School, Vazhavara.It’s an encouraging recognition which matters a lot for a young student interested in applying science to real-world problems beyond textbooks. For Anax, winning the award is recognition of an idea that connects scientific curiosity with the needs of an important section of society.