To highlight the importance of soil as a critical component of the natural system, the Department of Agriculture Kashmir today observed ‘World Soil Day across the Kashmir Division.Besides, holding functions at Zonal, Sub Divisional and District levels, an impressive function was held here at Agriculture Complex Lal Mandi Srinagar.Director Agriculture Kashmir, Syed Altaf Aijaz Andrabi, who was chief guest, enlightened the importance of soil for human survival. He said the campaign is focused to raise awareness on the importance of sustaining healthy eco-system and human welfare by addressing the increasing challenges in soil management.He said that farmers should be made sensitive towards the improper soil management practices. He said that health of the soil has a direct impact on our own health, therefore, all possible efforts should be put in place, so that this most important natural resource can be preserved for generations to come.The Director called upon the concerned officers to regularly monitor the progress on Soil Health Cards Scheme and ensure that the farmers are managing their cultural practices as per the recommendations of soil health cards. He said the best way to celebrate this day is to generate awareness about the soil health among the farmers at grass root level for sustainability of agriculture production.Speakers and soil experts also expressed their views on the subject and highlighted the importance of soil as a vital contributor to the human commonwealth.