ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar celebrated World Soil Day at the Institute premises, here on Tuesday. The function was attended by farmers from various districts of Kashmir, along with all the scientific, technical and administrative staff of ICAR-CITH. During the function farmers were made aware about the importance of soil sampling and testing through various audio-video aids and lectures by the experts. Address of Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Radha Mohan Singh was extended to the house through a video clip.Speaking on the occasion, Dr. D.B. Singh, Director ICAR-CITH, Srinagar, said that idea behind the observance/celebration of World Soil Day is to promote soil test/health based nutrient recommendations to improve the production and quality of the produce and in turn to uplift the socio-economic status of the farming community. Dr. Singh emphasized on site specific and soil test based input management. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Anil Sharma, Senior Scientist & Head, VCF, dealt the importance of soil health cards and their future needs. Farmers were made aware about the latest schemes related to soil health by Dr. Geetika Malik and Dr. Wasim Hassan Raja. A brief scientific presentation on soil health management through microbial use was given by Dr. Sheeba Varma. During the function folders on ‘Soil Health Cards’ prepared by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare were distributed to the farmers.A farmer-scientist interaction meeting to get update of the problems of farming community was also organized during the function. (CNS)