Breaking barriers and cultivating change
The remarkable journeys of a pioneering Tajik woman
FAO/Bunafsha Azimova
02/09/2025
In the heart of Tajikistan, a woman has defied the odds, shattered social norms and transformed the agricultural landscape of communities. Her story is marked by resilience, determination and a deep love of the land, and it serves as a powerful reminder that leadership and success are not tied to being a woman or a man. From humble beginnings, Gulbahor Rajabova has become a pioneer in the agricultural sector, empowering her community and inspiring future generations.
A story of resilience and innovation
Gulbahor Rajabova, 45, grew up on her family’s farm in the Spitamen district of the Sughd region. From a young age, Gulbahor learned the value of hard work, helping her parents grow cotton and raise silkworms. However, the collapse of the Soviet Union brought immense challenges to family farms. They faced debts, outdated equipment and a lack of irrigation – issues that led many other farmers to abandon their farms. But Gulbahor was determined not to let her family’s land go to waste.
“I proposed to take charge of the farm,” she recalls. “No one else would be able to recover the money we had already invested. So, I decided to step up. In 2006, the land yielded only 6 centners of cotton (about 600 kg) per hectare. It was a meagre result.”
With courage and determination, Gulbahor took on the leadership of the Nurobod dekhkan farm, and over the next few years, she improved the situation. As cotton yields increased to 25 centners per hectare, the farm began to pay off its debts. But Gulbahor didn’t stop there. In 2014, she led the transition from cotton farming to seed production, founding the Nurobod Seed Producing Farm. This shift allowed the farm to produce wheat seeds and achieve higher yields, from 33 centners up to 61 centners per hectare.
Despite the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated sector, Gulbahor’s perseverance paid off. She has built a strong, supportive team and a successful farm. “Now, we have the technology and knowledge to thrive,” she says. © FAO/Bunafsha Azimova
Under her leadership, Nurobod Seed Producing Farm has invested in wells for a reliable water supply and is now debt free, with shareholders enjoying a stable, prosperous future.
The Strengthening Resilience of the Agriculture Sector project – funded by the World Bank and implemented by the state institution Agriculture Entrepreneurship Development, with technical support from FAO – gave the Nurobod Seed Producing Farm essential resources such as mineral fertilizers and elite seeds, which greatly improved the quality and yields of the crops.
“These resources have not only enhanced the quality of our products but have also increased our productivity,” says Gulbahor.
The project also provided training, which played a crucial role in enhancing the skills and knowledge of Gulbahor’s team.
“We gained new knowledge and skills that we hadn’t been aware of before,” she says. “This collaboration has not only increased the farm’s productivity but has also empowered the team to make environmentally responsible decisions that benefit both the land and the community. The project has helped us adapt to modern farming methods and ensured that our growth is both sustainable and responsible.”
One of the key takeaways for Gulbahor and her team was the proper disposal of empty fertilizer bags and containers.
“In the past, we didn’t know that we shouldn’t leave empty fertilizer bags and containers on the land or in storage,” she says. “Now, we know it’s not advisable to reuse them, and we make sure to deliver them to an authorized organization to prevent any harmful impact on human health and the environment.”
Gulbahor’s journey is one not just of agricultural success, but also of empowerment. As a pioneer in the industry, she aims to inspire other women to take leadership roles in farming. © FAO/Bunafsha Azimova
A shared legacy of empowerment and progress
Gulbahor’s experience illustrates her unwavering determination to succeed and her commitment to improving the lives of those around her.
Through her leadership, she has not only transformed her farm but also empowered other women to follow her example. She is a mentor, advocate for education, and champion of sustainable agriculture. Gulbahor’s story demonstrates that with passion, perseverance and a belief in one’s own abilities, it is possible to overcome any obstacle and create lasting change.