Latest news with #FAW


Hindustan Times
24-07-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Fall armyworm threatens maize crop in parts of Himachal
Infestation of the fall armyworm (FAW), a destructive pest, has been reported in several parts of Himachal Pradesh, posing a serious threat to maize crops and causing concern among farmers across multiple districts. Infestation of the fall armyworm (FAW), a destructive pest, has been reported in several parts of Himachal Pradesh, posing a serious threat to maize crops and causing concern among farmers across multiple districts. (HT File) According to agriculture department officials, a significant and widespread FAW infestation has been reported from several parts of North Zone – which comprises Kangra, Hamirpur, Mandi, Una and Chamba districts. In the north zone, maize has been sowed on approximately 1.70 lakh hectares. Till July 22, the FAW infestation in Una was reported at around 15%, it was 10-12% in Hamirpur, 12% in lower parts of Kangra, 10% in Chamba and 8-10% in some pockets of Mandi district. Fall armyworm (FAW), scientifically known as spodoptera frugiperda, is a highly destructive insect pest that can significantly damage maize crops. FAW larvae feed on maize leaves, tassels, and ears, causing substantial yield losses. It bores into plant tissue, hollowing out the stems and causing irreversible damage. FAW was first detected in India in the state of Karnataka in 2018 and later the scientists in Himachal reported it in 2019. The outbreak prompted the agriculture minister Chander Kumar to chair a high-level meeting on Tuesday, which was attended by the Additional Director of Agriculture (North Zone) Dr Rahul Katoch, Vice-Chancellor, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSKHPKV) Palampur, Dr Naveen Kumar, representative officers from ATMA and JICA projects and senior agricultural scientists. During the meeting, the Agriculture Minister emphasised the need to promote natural farming-based preventive measures, particularly in the early stages of crop growth, to reduce dependency on chemical control. Departmental authorities further stressed the importance of rigorous and sustained field-level monitoring to ensure timely detection and response. He also directed scientists from the agriculture university to collaborate with institutions in neighbouring states, such as PAU Ludhiana, to exchange knowledge and ideas for effectively addressing such situations. Additional Director of Agriculture (North Zone), Dr Rahul Katoch, said, 'Farmers need to regularly monitor their fields, and if the pest infestation is less than 10%, there is no need for chemical sprays. In such cases, neem extracts or formulations used in natural farming can be applied. Bio-pesticides can also be effective. However, if the infestation exceeds 10%, chemical sprays like Chlorantraniliprole or Emamectin Benzoate (4 ml per 10 litres of water) should be used.' 'For the next sowing season, farmers are advised to carry out deep ploughing and expose the soil to direct sunlight for some time. They should also follow good agricultural practices such as field sanitation, weed control, and use of barrier crops like cowpea or Napier grass. Intercropping with pulses is also recommended,' he said. Officials said that dedicated teams comprising Subject Matter Specialists (SMS), Agriculture Development Officers (ADO), and Agriculture Extension Officers (AEO) have been deployed and are actively conducting field surveillance across villages. Additionally, teams from bio-control laboratories and CSKHPKV scientists are engaged in targeted monitoring of severely affected pockets.


Daily Mail
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Wyn Davies dead aged 83: Tributes flood in as former Man United star known as 'footballer who could fly' passes away
Former Manchester United and Wales forward Wyn Davies has died aged 83. The striker, dubbed the 'footballer who could fly' played for 11 clubs including rivals Manchester City during a 20-year career. Wyn was known for his heading ability, also earning the nickname 'Wyn the Leap' and he represented Wales 34 times, scoring six times. At Newcastle, where he spent five seasons between 1966-1971 playing 181 league matches, he is still remembered as 'The Mighty Wyn'. The former forward's family announced his death with 'deep sadness'. Niece Kasey Allsup wrote: 'Rest in peace, Uncle Ronald Wyn Davies.' 'A Welsh legend, and our family's pride. You'll be missed more than words can say. Thank you for the memories, the inspiration, and the love.' The Football Association of Wales said: 'The thoughts of everyone at the FAW are with the family and friends of Wyn Davies during this difficult time.' The Welsh international started his career at with local sides Locomotive Llanberis and Caernarfon Town, alongside working at a slate quarry, before joining Wrexham. He then signed for Bolton before moving to Tyneside. At Newcastle he won the Fairs Cup in 1969 and was England legened Bryan Robson's 'childhood hero'. Wyn later spent a season at Man City, before controversially moving to Old Trafford.


BBC News
17-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Ex-Wales and Newcastle forward Davies dies aged 83
Former Wales forward Ronald 'Wyn' Davies has died aged in Caernarfon in 1942, Davies enjoyed an outstanding career in the 1960s and 70s playing for teams including Wrexham, Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United and both Manchester clubs City and 'Wyn the Leap' because of his heading ability, the 6ft 1in forward represented Wales 34 times, scoring six goals, while he is still revered at Newcastle where he was also known as 'The Mighty Wyn'.A Football Association of Wales statement read: "The thoughts of everyone at the FAW are with the family and friends of Wyn Davies during this difficult time." After starting his playing career, while working in a slate quarry, with local sides Locomotive Llanberis and Caernarfon Town, Davies signed for Wrexham in 1960 before being snapped up by his move to Bolton, Davies was first capped by Wales in October 1963 against England and made his last appearance against Poland in September first of his six international goals arrived in 1964, giving Wales an early lead in a 3-2 win against most famous strike, though, came in November 1966 - scoring Wales' only goal in a 5-1 defeat to an England side newly crowned as world four seasons with Bolton, Newcastle snapped up Davies in 1966 for a then club record £80,000 fee and he was part of the famous Magpies side that won the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, the competition which later became the Uefa Cup - the club's only major European 1971 Davies left for Manchester, playing first for City - where he won the 1972 FA Charity Shield and rekindled his striking partnership with ex-Bolton team-mate Francis Lee - and then United before departing for Blackpool in 1973. Spells at Stockport County and Crewe Alexandra followed before Davies returned to Wales to finish his professional career at Bangor City in 1978-79 and then a short spell in South Africa with Cape Town City - hanging up his boots aged his retirement, Davies worked as a baker in Bolton.


CNA
16-07-2025
- Sport
- CNA
Wales' most-cappted keeper Hennessey retires at 38
Wayne Hennessey, the most-capped goalkeeper in Wales history, retired at the age of 38 after representing his country in 109 matches, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) said on Wednesday. Hennessey made over 100 league appearances each for Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace, reaching the FA Cup final in 2016 with the latter. He was at Nottingham Forest last season but did not make an appearance. The Bangor-born player was part of the Wales squad that reached the semi-finals of the Euros in 2016, also appearing in the 2022 World Cup. He last played for Wales in November 2023 in a friendly against Gibraltar. 'I have decided to bring my playing career to an end, I look back with gratitude and forward with optimism as I take the next steps on my footballing journey," Hennessey said in a statement.

Straits Times
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Wales' most-cappted keeper Hennessey retires at 38
Wayne Hennessey, the most-capped goalkeeper in Wales history, retired at the age of 38 after representing his country in 109 matches, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) said on Wednesday. Hennessey made over 100 league appearances each for Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace, reaching the FA Cup final in 2016 with the latter. He was at Nottingham Forest last season but did not make an appearance. The Bangor-born player was part of the Wales squad that reached the semi-finals of the Euros in 2016, also appearing in the 2022 World Cup. He last played for Wales in November 2023 in a friendly against Gibraltar. 'I have decided to bring my playing career to an end, I look back with gratitude and forward with optimism as I take the next steps on my footballing journey," Hennessey said in a statement. REUTERS