There are teachers, who are calm, thoughtful, composed, and approach their work with seriousness and great responsibility. They are caring and compassionate toward their colleagues and students. Today’s story is about one such remarkable person.

A teacher… This word carries profound meaning. A teacher is not only a source of knowledge, but also a guide through life, an educator who shapes the younger generation. On the occasion of October 1 – Teachers and Mentors’ Day, we reflect on the distinguished scientific and pedagogical journey of Professor Muhammadkhon Khamidov of  “Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers” National Research University, a true role model not only for his students but also for his colleagues.

For many years, Muhammadkhon has devoted himself to imparting the secrets of science to thousands of students, contributing to their growth into competent specialists. His lessons stand out not only for their rich theoretical content but also for their emphasis on practical skills. Professor Khamidov pays special attention to discovering each student’s potential and teaching them to think independently.

Muhammadkhon aka is not only an exceptional teacher but also a distinguished scientist in his field. His research in irrigation and agriculture has made significant contributions to the development of the country’s agricultural sector. His scientific articles and books have become valuable resources not only for students but also for specialists in the field.

Professor Khamidov’s personal qualities are equally admirable. He always treats his students with sincerity, listens to their concerns, and helps them find solutions. His kindness, fairness, and high standards have earned him the respect of his students. His life and career serve as a true school of inspiration for the younger generation. Sharing his knowledge and experience selflessly, he continues to serve devotedly for the future of our nation.

Looking at his life path provides a clearer picture of the qualities of a genuine scholar and educator.

Muhammadkhon Khamidov was born on February 1, 1958, in Tashkent to a working-class family. His father, Polsaidov Khamid Kurbonovich, passed away in 1995, and his mother, Polsaidova Makhfirat Akhmedzhanovna, in 2013.

From 1964 to 1974, he studied at secondary school N. 213 in Mirobod district of Tashkent, graduating with excellent marks.

In 1979, Khamidov graduated with honors from the Faculty of Hydromelioration at the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers. By decision of the State Examination Committee, he remained at the institute to pursue postgraduate studies. From 1980 to 1982, he continued his postgraduate studies in “Melioration and Irrigated Agriculture” at the former All-Union Cotton Research Institute and then began his career at TIIAME.

He first worked as head of the EGM-5 sector research laboratory; in 1983, he became an assistant at the Department of Agricultural Melioration; in 1985, after defending his Candidate of Sciences dissertation, he was promoted to associate professor of the same department. Over the years, he held positions such as dean of the evening and correspondence department, vice-rector of the Educational and Scientific Center for Irrigation Engineers, dean of the Faculty of Hydromelioration, and later director of the Bukhara branch of the institute. From 2013, he served as rector of the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Melioration  and since 2017 he has been a professor at TIIAME NRU.

He defended his Candidate of Sciences dissertation in 1985, and based on his subsequent research (1980–1992), he earned his Doctor of Agricultural Sciences degree in 1993 and became a Professor in 1996. Professor Khamidov established his own scientific school in the fields of efficient water use in agriculture, hydromodule zoning of irrigated lands, water-saving irrigation techniques, and improving soil reclamation.

He is the author of more than 300 scientific papers and methodological works, including 11 monographs and 16 textbooks and manuals. Of these, 36 articles have been published in international journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, with 6 appearing in Q1-ranked journals (h-index: 14). He holds 3 patents for inventions and 10 certificates of authorship for developments. Under his supervision, 15 Candidates of Sciences/PhDs and 7 Doctors of Sciences (DSc) have been trained.

Among his notable innovations are the introduction of “sub-irrigation” methods for efficient use of groundwater in water-scarce regions, “phytomelioration” measures to combat soil salinity, scientifically based irrigation regimes for crops, new biotechnology for using collector–drainage water in irrigation, and water-saving leaching techniques—all widely applied in mitigating the negative effects of climate change and water scarcity in Uzbekistan.

Professor Khamidov pioneered the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies for hydromodule zoning of irrigated lands, developing methodologies for creating electronic hydromodule zoning maps and producing the first Hydromodule Zoning Atlas of Uzbekistan’s Irrigated Lands with high precision.

Under his leadership, strong international partnerships were established with leading universities and research centers in Germany, France, Sweden, Spain, and other countries. As a result, around 10 international research and educational projects have been carried out at the university in recent years. These collaborations enabled 17 doctoral students and 22 faculty members to conduct research and improve their skills abroad, and 3 doctoral students successfully defended their PhD dissertations at universities in Berlin, Lille, and Lund.

In the last three years, Professor Khamidov has served as project leader and coordinator for 2 state-funded research grants and 3 international scientific grants, and as a key executor in 4 contractual projects. These efforts have helped strengthen the university’s laboratory facilities with around 30 high-precision digital laboratory instruments and led to the establishment of a Mobile Melioration Laboratory.

Beyond his main duties, he actively participates in public service. He has served as Chair of the Agriculture and Environmental Protection Sciences ITC under the Ministry of Innovative Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan (2020–2021, 2022–2023), a member of the Expert Council of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, a member of various dissertation councils at TIIAME NRU and PSUYEAITI, chair of the university’s scientific seminar for doctoral degrees, and a member of the university’s Academic Council.

For his outstanding contributions to training highly qualified specialists in irrigation and melioration, and his active participation in agricultural and water management reforms, he has been awarded the “Shuhrat” Medal of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the honorary title “Honored Scientist of the Republic of Karakalpakstan”, and the Gold Medal of the International Economic Cooperation Organization (Tehran) for achievements in science.

On this special occasion, we once again congratulate Professor Muhammadkhon Khamidov on Teachers and Mentors’ Day. We wish him a long life, good health, and continued scientific success. May his students continue to grow in number and become accomplished professionals contributing to the progress of our country.