Manjari Sharma (FarmDidi)
Overview
Manjari Sharma is an influential Indian entrepreneur known for founding FarmDidi, a social enterprise that advocates for authentic, natural foods and the empowerment of rural women. Launched in 2021, FarmDidi functions as a platform designed to provide healthy food options while simultaneously offering economic opportunities to rural women across India. With the foundational mission to empower one million rural women, the enterprise has garnered significant attention, featuring prominently on platforms like Shark Tank India, where it secured funding. Under Sharma's leadership, FarmDidi has become a beacon of social entrepreneurship, integrating rural women into the economic framework through food production and sales.
Recent Developments
- September 2025: FarmDidi successfully raised over ₹7 crore in a seed funding round led by Samved Ventures, with contributions from LetsVenture and others. The funding is aimed at expanding their community of rural entrepreneurs from 2,000 to 5,000 and investing in R&D.
- 2024: FarmDidi featured on the third season of Shark Tank India, where it secured a total funding of ₹1 crore from Sharks Vineeta Singh and Peyush Bansal. This milestone amplified the brand’s credibility and increased its reach.
- 2024: The enterprise expanded its network to 80 villages in Maharashtra, working with 1,080 rural women under 150 Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
- 2023: FarmDidi was recognized by the United Nations Development Programme as a Small and Medium Enterprises Champion.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Manjari Sharma |
| Born | Date not specific, Bahadurgarh, Haryana |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Founder and Chief Didi of FarmDidi |
| Net Worth | Not publicly specified |
| Education | MBA from Indian Institute of Management Calcutta |
Early Life and Education
Manjari Sharma was born in Bahadurgarh, Haryana, an area known for socio-economic challenges, including a high rate of female foeticide. Influenced by her socially active grandfather, she developed a passion for social service at a young age. After completing her schooling at Bal Bharati School, she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics at Ramjas College, University of Delhi, and subsequently worked as a management consultant. Her educational journey continued with an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, where she was deeply involved in various activities and received the Monalisa Award for excellence. It was during her time at IIM Calcutta that she worked on a project that profoundly influenced her perspective on women’s empowerment and laid the groundwork for what would eventually become FarmDidi.
Career and Notable Achievements
Manjari Sharma’s career trajectory shifted significantly after working in corporate roles at global firms like AT Kearney. Inspired by her exposure to rural women’s potential during her research project in Bihar, she founded FarmDidi in 2021. Notable achievements include:
- Establishment of FarmDidi, driven by a mission to empower one million rural women entrepreneurs.
- Recognition as a UNDP Small and Medium Enterprises Champion.
- Feature and funding on Shark Tank India, boosting visibility and outreach.
- Expansion to 80 villages, making a direct economic impact on 1,800 women across Maharashtra.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Manjari Sharma remains a pivotal figure in FarmDidi, overseeing the enterprise’s growth and strategic partnerships. FarmDidi’s model emphasizes training women in food safety and entrepreneurship, allowing them to produce traditional Indian food products. These are then marketed and sold through platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. The initiative has significantly increased the incomes of rural women, contributing to broader societal development by enabling financial independence and skill enhancement.
Conclusion
Manjari Sharma exemplifies the powerful impact of social entrepreneurship in addressing societal challenges. Through FarmDidi, she has orchestrated a platform that not only empowers rural women but also celebrates India's rich culinary heritage. Her work continues to inspire and hold potential for further expanding the role of women in economic advancement in rural India.