Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – A group of agriculture representatives were awarded with "Qishloq xo’jaligi fidoyisi" ("Agriculture devoted person") breastplate at the solemn ceremony in honour of the Agriculture Workers Day of Uzbekistan. 

FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia Mr. Vladimir Rakhmanin, FAO Sub-regional Coordinator for Central Asia, FAO Representative in Uzbekistan Mr. Viorel Gutu and Officer in Charge for the FAO Representation in Uzbekistan Sherzod Umarov were also among the awarded people.  

With Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s initiative, since 2017, every second Sunday of December is celebrated as the Agriculture Workers Day of Uzbekistan. Annually, in honor of this date, a group of people, employees of state and economic bodies, scientists and specialists who have made a worthy contribution to the development of the agriculture sector are awarded with "Qishloq xo’jaligi fidoyisi" ("Agriculture devoted person") breastplate. 

Minister of agriculture of Uzbekistan Mr. Jamshid Khodjayev said that the awardees set an example for others with their significant and selfless work and stressed that the main aim of the ongoing reforms is further improvement of the living conditions of rural population and ensuring their interests. The Minister noted that this year, when the whole world has faced the COVID-19 global challenge, hard-work of farmers, cluster and cooperative leaders, scientists and specialists is much appreciated.

Awarding this badge represents a high assessment of the activities of the FAO Representation in Uzbekistan. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security. It was founded in 1945 and composed of 194 member-states.

Uzbekistan joined FAO in 2001. FAO Representation in Uzbekistan was founded in 2014. In accordance with the Country Programming Framework document that gives further guidance to their partnership through 2022, FAO provides support in three priority areas agreed with the Government of Uzbekistan: institutional and policy assistance for the Ministry of Agriculture and other government institutions; agricultural and food value chain development and market access; and sustainable management of natural resources, climate change and biodiversity.