February 08, 2011 – Andijan region. New business project on rice processing launched in Sarboshi Mahalla of Izboskan district within the support of the EU/UNDP “Enhancement of Living Standards (ELS)” Project, provides new income opportunities for community population. Initiative group from “Sarboshi” mahalla of Izboskan district headed by Shavkat Yakubov was selected for providing further support within “Enhancement of Living Standards (ELS)” Project in accordance with recommendations of joint committee comprised from representatives of Andijan region Hokimiyat, Department of Demonopolization and Development of Competition, Chamber of Commerce and Trade, Farmers Association and other regional institutions.

 

Izboskan district of Andijan region is famous for its favorable climate and natural recourses for agricultural crops production. Particularly, the district supplies rice to Andijan region and other regions of Uzbekistan. The main initiator of the Business project, Shavkat Yakubov, has been engaged in growing and processing of rice for many years and the given profession is passed to him through the fourth generation. Integration of ideas and capacity of initiative group members facilitated an establishment of “Sarboshi Yashil Sohili” co-op and development of business idea on launching rice processing production, as well as getting technical support from the ELS Project in the form of modern technological equipment.

 

As Initiator Sh.Yakubov pointed out, “…Today we stand on threshold of new changes in our community. Modern technological equipment gives an opportunity to create new job places, ensure quality product output, as well as increase paddy processing efficiency along with decreasing waste level…” 

 

Ulugbek Abdullayev, Hokim of Izboskan district, who also took part in ceremony noted, “Creation of favorable conditions for small business and private entrepreneurship development, as well as further improvement of population welfare and life conditions in rural areas are priority reform tasks implemented by the Government”.

 

After the ceremony cooperative specialists demonstrated new equipment at work, as well as shared their vision on further expansion of the production. Income generation and creation of new work places in rural areas through supporting private initiatives and entrepreneurship is one of the key directions of ELS Program activities, financed by the European Union and implemented by the UNDP in close collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan.