OUR STORY
Once upon a time, amidst the bustling corridors of IIM Calcutta, Manjari embarked on a journey that would redefine not only her career but also the lives of countless women across rural India. During an MBA project, she traversed the verdant landscapes of Bihar, where she witnessed a profound shift in village dynamics. Men had migrated to cities in pursuit of work, leaving behind a tapestry of femininity, where women single-handedly managed both the fields and the hearth. In the wee hours of dawn, these resilient women would rise their days filled with chores ranging from fetching water to nurturing crops and caring for children. Yet, amidst their toil, they posed a simple yet poignant question, "Didi, hum aur kya kar sakte hai?" ("Sister, what more can we do?")
Moved by their plight and armed with a passion for women’s empowerment, Manjari embarked on a mission post-MBA. She realized that empowering these “Didis” held far greater societal implications than chasing corporate glory. With a vision to uplift at least one million lives, she delved into the heart of rural Maharashtra, seeking answers. Months turned into years as Manjari explored various avenues, from offering loans to developing mobile apps, in a bid to uplift these women. Yet, it was during this journey that she stumbled upon two invaluable insights. Firstly, over 80% of rural women were engaged in the food business, crafting culinary delights steeped in traditional wisdom. Secondly, the food of rural India, when prepared fresh, held an unmatched flavor that urban dwellers had long forgotten. Eureka! The answer lay in empowering these women through their culinary prowess.
And thus, FarmDidi was born. Joined by her husband Anukrit and dear friend Asmita, all self-proclaimed foodies, they set out to create an impact-focused brand that not only celebrated the rich flavors of rural India but also ensured impeccable quality.
FarmDidi became a haven for pickles and chutneys, crafted by the skilled hands of rural women. Each product is a labor of love, made with farm-fresh ingredients, devoid of any chemicals or preservatives. With stringent quality norms in place, premium ingredients such as branded oil, salt, and spices are used to guarantee the finest flavors. Today, FarmDidi stands as a beacon of empowerment, with a community of over 1500 rural women. More than 50 of these incredible women earn a regular income through the brand, supported by initiatives that provide food licenses and essential training. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, earning accolades from esteemed institutions such as Shark Tank India, the United Nations, Wharton Economic Forum, and the Department of Science & Technology. As FarmDidi continues to grow, it remains rooted in its mission to empower, uplift, and celebrate the culinary heritage of rural India, one jar of goodness at a time.
