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Tursunali MatkazimovSoviet Tajik agricultural worker, cotton grower, pioneer hero
Date of Birth: 01.01.1933
Country:  Uzbekistan |
Content:
- Childhood and Education
- Wartime Contributions and Agriculture
- Record-Breaking Cotton Harvest
- Recognition and Heroism
- Continued Excellence
- Post-Education Career
- Honors
Childhood and Education
Tursonali Matkazimov was born in 1932 in the Fergana region of the Uzbek SSR (today Uzbekistan). His family later relocated to the Regar district of the Tajik SSR (now the Tursunzoda district of Tajikistan). He attended the Lakhuto School, where he joined the Young Pioneer movement.
Wartime Contributions and Agriculture
During World War II, Tursonali's schoolmates and other young laborers played a crucial role in supporting the front lines and rebuilding the war-torn country. Matkazimov worked on the Frunze Collective Farm, and his Young Pioneer troop was allocated land to cultivate cotton.
Record-Breaking Cotton Harvest
In 1947, as a 15-year-old fifth grader, Matkazimov led his troop of four girls in cultivating a record-breaking cotton harvest on a particularly challenging plot of land. Despite severe frost, they worked tirelessly to protect the seedlings, using bonfires and paper caps. Their efforts yielded an astounding 89.2 centners of cotton per hectare.
Recognition and Heroism
Matkazimov was awarded the title of Hero of Socialist Labor on March 1, 1948, for his exceptional contribution. He became one of the youngest recipients of this honor, alongside Natella Chelebadze. He was also awarded the Order of Lenin and the Gold Medal "Sickle and Hammer."
Continued Excellence
In 1948, Matkazimov's team again surpassed expectations, harvesting 72 centners of cotton per hectare on a 6-hectare plot. He was bestowed a second Order of Lenin in recognition of his achievements. After graduating high school, he pursued studies in agriculture.
Post-Education Career
Matkazimov worked as an agronomist in the Frunze Collective Farm and later became the chief agronomist of the "Moscow" Collective Farm in the Regar district of the Tajik SSR.
Honors
Hero of Socialist Labor (1948)2 Orders of Lenin
Gold Medal "Sickle and Hammer"
Medals
