Latest news with #ISARC
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
ISARC, CIP join hands to boost sustainable rice-potato systems
Varanasi: In a step toward transforming rice–potato cropping systems into more sustainable and climate-resilient models, the International Rice Research Institute – South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) and the International Potato Center (CIP) jointly convened a multi-stakeholder consultation in Varanasi recently. The consultation focused on advancing a prototype innovation designed to enable Potato Zero Tillage with Rice Straw Mulch (PZTM)—a conservation agriculture technique that uses rice straw as natural mulch for potato cultivation, eliminating the need for intensive tillage. At the heart of the discussion was a novel combine harvester prototype that integrates rice harvesting and zero-till potato planting in a single mechanised pass, addressing key bottlenecks in residue management and timely planting. The meeting brought together stakeholders from government bodies, CGIAR centres, private agri-tech firms, food processing companies, universities, and farmer groups. Uttar Pradesh, being India's largest potato-producing state and a major rice producer, was highlighted as a key geography for piloting the innovation. BL Meena, additional chief secretary, Horticulture, govt of Uttar Pradesh, expressed strong support for scaling up PZTM through convergence with existing horticulture and farm mechanisation schemes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Libas Purple Days Sale Libas Undo "This consultation is unique, with farmers directly participating in machinery review and development," said Sudhanshu Singh, Director, ISARC. "The prototype has the potential to revolutionise Eastern India's rice–potato systems by reducing turnaround time, conserving water, and improving soil health." Neeraj Sharma, Country Head of CIP, underscored the role of women farmers, regional disparities in mechanisation, and the urgent need to tackle crop residue burning. He stressed public–private partnerships and system-based innovations to scale sustainable potato production. Participants included representatives from PepsiCo, McCain, Yanmar, Khalsa, researchers from Punjab University, and farmers from rice–potato growing states. Discussions centred on prototype design, field feasibility, and pathways to validation and scaling.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
IRRI scientists work on sensor-based irrigation to boost water efficiency
Varanasi: Scientists at the International Rice Research Institute South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) are conducting field-level research on sensor-based irrigation management to boost water efficiency in direct-seeded rice (DSR) cultivation. The research aims to enhance climate resilience in eastern Uttar Pradesh by assessing soil moisture dynamics, crop water requirements, and irrigation scheduling in DSR systems. A team of experts from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), including senior water scientist Anton Urfels, conducted a technical assessment in Paniyara village to study soil moisture dynamics under different irrigation regimes in direct-seeded rice (DSR) fields. The interdisciplinary team, comprising agronomists, GIS specialists, agricultural economists, and water scientists, aimed to identify critical soil moisture thresholds for timely and efficient irrigation. At the core of this research is the integration of in-field soil moisture sensors, automated water depth monitoring systems, and drone-based spatial mapping tools to collect high-resolution temporal and spatial datasets. These tools are being used to analyse moisture variability, crop response patterns, and water use efficiency at different crop stages. The research team is also evaluating how alternative irrigation intervals and timing affect both crop growth and soil health under direct seeding conditions. "A data-driven approach to irrigation management is critical for sustaining rice production in regions facing increasing water stress. Through the integration of advanced monitoring tools and site-specific research, IRRI is committed to delivering scalable solutions that not only conserve water, but also enhance productivity and climate resilience for smallholder farmers," said Sudhanshu, director, ISARC. He said that the findings from this research will contribute to a more refined understanding of water demand dynamics in DSR cultivation and help establish localised irrigation advisories. Ultimately, the goal is to enable the transition to climate-resilient, resource-efficient rice production systems across the region. Anton emphasised that a detailed understanding of spatial and temporal soil moisture variability is essential for building resilient irrigation strategies in water-scarce regions. It was further noted that when combined with geospatial analytics, sensor-based data can enable the development of location-specific protocols that improve irrigation efficiency and optimise resource use at scale.
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
PNB shares in focus following completion of 21% stake sale in India SME Asset Reconstruction Company
Punjab National Bank (PNB) shares are likely to be in focus on Wednesday, June 18, after the lender announced the completion of its stake sale in India SME Asset Reconstruction Company Limited ( ISARC ). The bank has offloaded its entire 20.90% stake in the associate company for a total cash consideration of Rs 34.05 crore. The stake sale, completed on June 17, involves the transfer of 2.09 crore shares for Rs 16.29 per share. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Collagen is not needed, 42-year-old woman's skin changes URUHIME MOMOKO Learn More Undo The development follows an earlier communication dated May 13, 2025, in which PNB informed the stock exchanges of its definitive agreement to divest its entire stake in ISARC. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had approved a change in sponsor and equity ownership from M/s Auhm Investment and Infrastructure. According to disclosures made by the bank, ISARC reported a total income of Rs 36.40 crore and a profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 19.79 crore for the financial year ended March 31, 2025. The company's total assets stood at Rs 150.08 crore, while its capital base was reported at Rs 149.48 crore as of the same date. The agreement for the sale was originally signed on May 13, 2025, and the transaction was completed as scheduled on June 17. Live Events Also read: Pick up defence stocks for long term; 2 shipping stocks to buy: Neeraj Dewan PNB share price history Over the past year, the stock of PNB has declined by 17.84%. On a year-to-date (YTD) basis, it has registered a gain of 3.12%. Over the last 6 months, the stock has remained largely flat with a marginal dip of 0.09%. In the last three months, it has risen by 21.08%, while the one-month performance shows a gain of 7.08%. On Tuesday, the PNB shares closed 0.84% lower at Rs 105.90 on the BSE. ( Disclaimer : Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)
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Business Standard
17-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
PNB exits ISARC with sale of 21% stake for ₹34 crore after RBI approval
In March, the RBI had granted approval for change in sponsor of the asset reconstruction company and equity raise from Authum Investment and Infrastructure Ltd, PNB said in a regulatory filling Press Trust of India New Delhi State-owned Punjab National Bank on Tuesday said it has sold its entire 21 per cent stake in India SME Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (ISARC) for Rs 34 crore. In March, the Reserve Bank of India had granted approval for change in sponsor of the asset reconstruction company and equity raise from Authum Investment and Infrastructure Ltd, PNB said in a regulatory filing. The bank has completed the sale of a 20.90 per cent stake on Tuesday, it said. It sold 2.09 crore shares of the asset reconstruction company for Rs 16.29 per share, aggregating Rs 34.04 crore. The bank had entered into a definitive agreement to sell its entire stake in ISARC in May. For the financial year ended March 31, 2025, ISARC had earned a net profit of Rs 19.79 crore with a total income of Rs 36.4 crore. Prior to stake sale, ISARC was sponsored by SIDBI, Bank of Baroda, Punjab National Bank, and SIDBI Venture Capital Ltd.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
PNB sells entire 21% stake in ISARC for Rs 34 crore
State-owned Punjab National Bank on Tuesday said it has sold its entire 21 per cent stake in India SME Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (ISARC) for Rs 34 crore. In March, the Reserve Bank of India had granted approval for change in sponsor of the asset reconstruction company and equity raise from Authum Investment and Infrastructure Ltd, PNB said in a regulatory filing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Eat 1 Teaspoon Every Night, See What Happens A Week Later [Video] getfittoday Undo The bank has completed the sale of a 20.90 per cent stake on Tuesday, it said. It sold 2.09 crore shares of the asset reconstruction company for Rs 16.29 per share, aggregating Rs 34.04 crore. The bank had entered into a definitive agreement to sell its entire stake in ISARC in May. Live Events For the financial year ended March 31, 2025, ISARC had earned a net profit of Rs 19.79 crore with a total income of Rs 36.4 crore. Prior to stake sale, ISARC was sponsored by SIDBI, Bank of Baroda , Punjab National Bank, and SIDBI Venture Capital Ltd.
