Mail News Service
Seraikela, Oct 11: In a significant step towards sustainable and inclusive aquaculture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday virtually laid the foundation for a modern fish farming plant in Hathimanda village at Seraikela block in adjoining Seraikela-Kharsawan district.
The ambitious project, with an investment of Rs 3.68 crore, is being implemented under the Prime Minister’s Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) and approved under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF).
The foundation-laying ceremony saw the presence of District Fisheries Officer Roshan Kumar and a large number of local villagers.
The project will be operated by Surdeep Natural Fishing & Eco-Tourism, founded by Jyoti Bala.
Spanning 14 acres, the facility will have 10 acres dedicated to fish ponds and the remaining 4 acres for allied aquaculture activities.
The initiative is expected to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for local residents and significantly boost fish production in the district.
A Model Initiative in Jharkhand
Surdeep Natural Fishing & Eco-Tourism, established by Manoj Kumar, is being recognized as a model unit for sustainable aquatic agriculture in Jharkhand.
The project includes a fish hatchery, feed plant, grow-out ponds, biofloc and RAS systems, ice plant, refrigerated vehicles, digital marketing platforms, and eco-tourism facilities.
The initiative promotes water conservation, disease management, and sustainable production, doubling annual fish output and increasing net income more than tenfold.
Currently, the project provides employment to over 125 tribal families in the region.
Founder Manoj Kumar honored at National Level
Manoj Kumar (B.Tech, MBA), founder of the project and Jyoti Sero Group, was invited to the national foundation-laying ceremony hosted by Prime Minister Modi.
He is the only representative from Jharkhand recognized under FIDF.
Kumar has received numerous national awards, including the President’s Innovation Award, CII Innovation Award, and India SME 100, and holds over 83 industrial patents, including co-patents with Tata Steel.
His work bridges rural economic empowerment, industrial R&D, and sustainable agriculture.
The Hathimanda fish farming project is emerging as a role model for rural livelihoods, food security, and innovation-driven growth, not just for Jharkhand but across India.
