Startups

Hooked on Hope: Rajnish Kumar’s Journey from Telecom Engineer to India’s Aquaculture Pioneer

• ByStartupStory     |    July 14, 2025

Returning to Roots with Purpose

In a world chasing digital dreams and fast-paced startup success, Rajnish Kumar chose a path less traveled — a journey back to his roots. An engineering graduate in Telecommunications, Rajnish spent 14 years in the tech industry across India and abroad. But in 2018, driven by a desire to build something meaningful and impactful, he returned to his native village and began a journey that would redefine rural entrepreneurship in India.

With just 12 acres of land, Rajnish launched his aquaculture venture, cultivating Catfish and Carps. What began as an experiment in fish farming soon evolved into a mission-led enterprise committed to creating livelihoods, restoring natural ecosystems, and contributing to India’s protein security.

Building a Sustainable Aquaculture Ecosystem

Today, Rajnish’s venture — PVRAQUA — spans 120 acres of active fish farming. With a production of over 300 tons of fish annually, he has created employment for more than 55 individuals, both directly and indirectly. And he’s just getting started.

By 2026, he plans to develop another 100 acres of land in Bahraich district, aiming for a total of 365 acres of sustainable aquaculture with a vision of producing 3,000 tons of fish per year and generating employment for over 150 people.

What sets his model apart is its emphasis on environmental harmony. Rajnish believes in building sustainable water bodies that not only support aquaculture but also contribute to groundwater recharge and ecological balance.

Training a New Generation of Fish Farmers

Recognizing the need to uplift and empower others, Rajnish established an Aqua Training Centre — now a preferred partner of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB). Over the last five years, he has trained more than 600 farmers and rural entrepreneurs in fish farming, with nearly 60% of them successfully running their own aquaculture businesses.

His training programs are practical, hands-on, and designed to support those with limited access to formal education or capital. He believes in building capabilities from the ground up — teaching not just the techniques of fish farming but also the principles of sustainability, ethics, and community development.

Scaling Knowledge Through Digital Outreach

To reach a broader audience, Rajnish launched his YouTube channel “PVRAQUA”, which has now grown into a thriving digital community. With over 900 educational videos and a subscriber base of more than 100,000, his channel serves as a go-to resource for aspiring aquapreneurs across India.

From pond construction and seed rearing to feed management and marketing, his videos break down complex topics into simple, actionable lessons — all delivered in local language and drawn from real-life experiences. It’s digital education with a rural soul, empowering thousands to learn and grow at their own pace.

Innovation Meets Tradition

While his roots are traditional, Rajnish has infused his operations with modern technology. He practices controlled environment fish farming, biofloc seed rearing, solar-powered aeration systems, and in-house fish feed production. These innovations not only improve productivity but also reduce dependency on external inputs, making aquaculture more self-sustaining and profitable for small-scale farmers.

In addition to fish production, PVRAQUA also promotes aqua tourism — a unique initiative that invites visitors, students, and eco-enthusiasts to experience sustainable fish farming and rural biodiversity firsthand.

A Nationally Recognized Changemaker

Rajnish Kumar’s work has earned him recognition at the highest levels. He is a recipient of the National Best Entrepreneur Award and is empanelled with the NFDB for skill development in fisheries. But beyond the accolades, what defines him is his deep connection with the land, his unwavering commitment to sustainability, and his desire to uplift those around him.

A Message to Gen Z: Find Your Roots, Shape the Future

In a time when entrepreneurship is often associated with apps, code, and urban startups, Rajnish’s journey is a compelling reminder that some of the most meaningful innovations come from nature-based, grassroots ventures. His story is a call to action for young Indians — especially Gen Z — to explore opportunities that blend business with purpose.

“There’s an entire world of opportunity in agriculture, fisheries, and environmental conservation,” Rajnish says. “We need more young people to look at nature not just as a resource, but as a partner in progress.”

He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to stay connected with the environment, understand local challenges, and create businesses that regenerate rather than deplete. In his view, the future of entrepreneurship lies in solving real problems — and there’s no greater cause than feeding the nation, restoring ecosystems, and empowering rural India.

Watch and learn on YouTube: PVRAQUA

Let Rajnish Kumar’s story remind us that great businesses don’t always start in skyscrapers. Sometimes, they begin in fish ponds, with muddy hands and clear intentions.

 

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