Agri-tech startup F2DF – Farmer to Digital Farmer, popularly known as the farmer’s online store, has achieved a significant national milestone at the National Startup Awards (NSA) 2025. The company’s co-founder, Monica Singhmar, has been selected among the Top-7 finalists in the Women-Led Innovator Award category, standing out from more than 200,000 applications submitted by women entrepreneurs from across India.
This recognition marks a proud moment for F2DF and highlights its growing impact in strengthening India’s rural and agricultural ecosystem. Monica Singhmar’s entrepreneurial journey is deeply rooted in rural India. Coming from a farming family, she made the bold decision to leave a secure academic career to work directly at the grassroots level with women farmers, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and rural entrepreneurs.
Her work goes beyond technological innovation. It reflects a strong sense of purpose, social sensitivity, and a clear commitment to creating meaningful change in rural communities. Under her leadership, F2DF has focused on building inclusive digital solutions that empower farmers and producer groups by improving market access, transparency, and income opportunities.
The National Startup Awards 2025, organised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Startup India initiative, officially invited F2DF to participate in the final round. Being named among the top seven women-led innovators at the national level is a strong validation of the startup’s mission, vision, and consistent grassroots work.
The awards ceremony was held on 16 January 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on the occasion of National Startup Day. The event was graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the chief guest, with Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal also in attendance. The ceremony also marked the celebration of 10 years of the Startup India movement, showcasing India’s rapidly evolving innovation ecosystem.
During the programme, leading entrepreneurs such as Aman Gupta and Ritesh Agarwal shared insights from their entrepreneurial journeys, inspiring startup founders from across the country.
Although F2DF did not secure the final winner’s title, the team considers this achievement a major milestone. The recognition has strengthened the organisation’s confidence, validated its on-ground impact, and reinforced its resolve to develop more inclusive and scalable solutions for India’s farming communities.
Monica Singhmar’s leadership continues to deepen F2DF’s commitment to empowering farmers, FPOs, SHGs, and rural enterprises. The startup views this recognition not as an endpoint, but as the beginning of a stronger, more informed, and more impactful phase of growth.
F2DF has expressed gratitude to Startup India, DPIIT, mentors, partners, the entire F2DF team, and the farming communities who place their trust in the initiative every day. Monica Singhmar’s journey stands as a powerful example of how rural-rooted, women-led innovation can gain national recognition and drive meaningful change in Indian agriculture.
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