The state government will run a special campaign to sensitise farmers about the hazards of burning stubble after harvesting of Kharif crops, particularly paddy.
Harvesting in the state will begin after Diwali and burning of stubble by farmers causes large-scale environmental pollution.
The Agriculture department will organise drawing competitions at tehsil level for the students of classes IX to XII in all schools on October 1. The theme of the contest will be the hazards of burning crop waste in fields after harvesting. The first prize winner will be rewarded Rs 10,000, the second prize winner Rs 7,500 and the third prize winner Rs 5,000.
Contestants drawing the 10 best paintings will be felicitated in Lucknow during the two-day Krishi Kumbh from October 26.
Besides, 50 best paintings will be displayed in the theme gallery of the Krishi Kumbh.
Principal Secretary (Agriculture) Amit Mohan Prasad said in Lucknow on Wednesday that all sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) had been directed to co-ordinate with district inspectors of schools (DIOS) and officers of Agriculture department for organising the drawing competition.
Prasad said that besides causing pollution, burning of crop stubble also erodes fertility of the He said the painting competition was being organised to spread awareness among farmers about these hazards.
Besides UP, the prime cause of air pollution in National Capital Region is burning of crop stubble in west UP, Haryana and Punjab.