Biography of Prateek Sharma: Founder and CEO of Green and Grains- Entrepreneur
Journey of
Prateek Sharma’s life story is a testament to resilience and
determination. Born in a cowshed in the small village of Dhaba Khurd, Madhya
Pradesh, he grew up in a tight-knit community of just 65 households. His early
education was humble; he attended a village school where he and his classmates
learned on the floor and took turns cleaning their classrooms. Despite these
challenges, Prateek dreamed of becoming a doctor, a goal shaped by his
aspirations and the hope for a better life.
Transitioning to Banking
After completing his schooling, Prateek's path took a turn
when he pursued a degree in marketing management at the Indira Institute of
Management in Pune. Following his graduation in 2006, he ventured into the
banking sector, joining Kotak Mahindra Bank. Over the next decade, he gained
valuable experience in customer relationship management and leadership,
navigating various roles that honed his skills in business management.
A Leap of Faith
In 2016, after ten years in banking, Prateek took a bold
step back towards his roots. Driven by a desire to make a difference in the
agricultural sector, he decided to establish a startup called Green and Grains.
The aim was to create a direct-to-consumer platform that would make organic
food more accessible while supporting local farmers. This decision was not
without risks, but Prateek was determined to pursue a path that resonated with
his upbringing and values.
The Birth of Green and Grains
Green and Grains emerged as a farm-to-fork initiative,
focusing on organic farming and eliminating the middleman in food distribution.
Prateek partnered with local farmers to grow chemical-free vegetables and
grains, facilitating direct sales to consumers. The vision was clear: to bridge
the gap between farmers and consumers while promoting sustainable agricultural
practices.
Early Challenges
The journey was fraught with difficulties. In its inaugural
year, Green and Grains faced significant setbacks, primarily because many of
the farmers were inexperienced in vegetable cultivation. Transitioning from
conventional to organic farming required a steep learning curve. Prateek
likened this shift to “getting someone out of the ICU,” emphasizing the need
for patience and nurturing as farmers adjusted to new methods.
Learning from Mistakes
Prateek’s initial investment in a polyhouse for farming
turned out to be a costly misstep, leading to a poor yield in the first year.
However, these challenges became invaluable learning experiences. He recognized
a critical communication gap between policymakers and farmers, as well as the
burdensome costs associated with chemical farming. This realization fueled his
resolve to advocate for organic practices and empower local farmers.
Biography of Prateek Sharma:Founder & CEO of Green and Grains- Entrepreneur /age/net worth/investor/organic farming/startup/shark tank/Prateek Sharma
Building a Community
Realizing the importance of collaboration, Prateek formed a
small group of farmers dedicated to organic cultivation. This collective
approach allowed them to share resources, knowledge, and labor, creating a
stronger support system. Through training and guidance, they began producing a
variety of organic vegetables, gradually increasing their expertise and
confidence.
The Role of IIM Calcutta
A pivotal moment in Prateek’s entrepreneurial journey came
when an article about his efforts caught the attention of the IIM Calcutta
Innovation Park (IIMCIP). Invited to join an incubation program, Prateek
received essential mentorship and funding, which helped him refine his business
model. This support was instrumental in transitioning Green and Grains from a
fledgling startup to a recognized entity within the Startup India initiative.
Overcoming Initial Setbacks
Despite the initial challenges, Prateek persevered. He
adopted a low-cost model, personally visiting farms to collect produce.
Utilizing WhatsApp for communication, he began building a customer base that
appreciated the value of fresh, organic food. Slowly but surely, orders started
to come in, signaling a positive shift for Green and Grains.
Achieving Impact
Today, Green and Grains serves over 2,500 families in
Bhopal, delivering a range of organic groceries directly to customers’
doorsteps. This success is not just measured in numbers but in the positive
impact on the lives of both consumers and farmers. Customers report feeling
healthier, while farmers express gratitude for improved livelihoods, enabling
them to provide better futures for their children.
The Family Factor
Prateek's journey is also a family affair. His wife,
Prateeksha, has been a crucial partner in this endeavor. Initially from a
banking background herself, she shared Prateek’s vision of making a difference.
Together, they have worked tirelessly to grow Green and Grains, driven by a
common goal of supporting sustainable agriculture and promoting healthy food
choices.
A Legacy of Knowledge
The influence of Prateek's father, who collected literature
on modern farming techniques, has played a significant role in shaping his
approach. These early lessons in agriculture and community development continue
to inspire Prateek as he strives to uplift local farmers and create a
sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
Broadening Horizons
As Green and Grains continues to grow, Prateek is focused on
expanding beyond Bhopal. His ambition is to reach consumers in other states,
bringing the benefits of organic farming to a broader audience. This expansion
is not only about increasing revenue but also about promoting healthy eating
habits and sustainable practices across regions.
Learning and Adapting
Prateek understands that the journey is ongoing. Each
mistake is viewed as a lesson learned, helping him refine his methods and
approach. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability in farming,
acknowledging that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. By continually
learning from both successes and failures, Prateek aims to improve the
operations of Green and Grains.
Looking Towards the Future
Prateek Sharma's journey from a humble upbringing to
becoming an influential entrepreneur in the organic farming sector exemplifies
the power of determination and innovation. With a commitment to sustainability
and community support, he is not just building a business; he is fostering a
movement that empowers farmers and enriches the lives of consumers. As Green
and Grains moves forward, Prateek remains dedicated to making safe, organic
food accessible to all.
A timeline for Prateek Sharma's journey:
Early Life: Born in a cowshed in Dhaba Khurd, Madhya
Pradesh; dreams of becoming a doctor.
2006: Graduates with a degree in Marketing Management from
Indira Institute of Management, Pune.
2006-2016: Works at Kotak Mahindra Bank, gaining experience
in customer relationship management.
2016: Founds Green and Grains, a startup focused on organic
farming and direct-to-consumer sales.
2017: Faces challenges transitioning farmers to organic
practices and learning from early setbacks.
2018: Forms a community of farmers for shared knowledge and
resources.
2019: Invited to join IIM Calcutta Innovation Park for
mentorship and funding.
2020: Adopts a low-cost model and builds a customer base
using WhatsApp for communication.
2023: Serves over 2,500 families in Bhopal, positively
impacting consumers and farmers alike.
2024: Aims to expand Green and Grains to other states,
promoting organic food and sustainable practices.
