Companies’ Collective Efforts Seen As Essential Pillars For Resilience And Prosperity
PHOTO: Honourees and rubber stakeholders pose for picture at the ceremony
By Abraham K. Kollie, kollieabraham23@gmail.com
LOWER MONSTSERRADO, Liberia – Several major rubber processors and a government official have been honoured for their outstanding contributions to sustaining and developing Liberia’s vital rubber sector.
The big honouring ceremony was jointly held by the Rubber Planters Association of Liberia (RPAL) and the Rubber Development Fund Incorporated (RDFI) in Todee District, Lower Montserrado County on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
The honorees included prominent businessman Upjit Singh Sachdeva (alias Jeety) of Jeety Rubber, Firestone Liberia, the Liberia Agriculture Company (LAC) in Grand Bassa County, and local rubber farmers. Each was recognized for their critical role in supporting the industry, especially smallholder farmers.
Acknowledging market support and stability
RPAL President Wilhelmina Mulbah Siaway and RDFI Chairman J. Tokpah Mulbah presided over the event, praising the awardees for their investment and support toward national development through rubber.
Mr. Siaway specifically acknowledged the positive “marketing competition” that Jeety Rubber, Firestone Liberia, and LAC have brought to the sector, benefiting farmers. She further called on the government to continue its support for the rubber industry.
Jeety Rubber was highlighted for its “massive unwavering support” to smallholders during periods of limited market access. The company was presented with a Certificate of Honor, with its CEO, Mr. Sachdeva, being commended for his commitment to sustaining farmer livelihoods and promoting community welfare. In a distinctive cultural tribute, the company was also conferred the Liberian name “Kolleh,” meaning “a bright and good man.”
Commitment to policy and local processing
A key point of recognition was Jeety Rubber’s steadfast adherence to the Ministry of Agriculture’s regulated pricing system, introduced in June 2025.
Despite market fluctuations, the company has consistently purchased rubber from smallholder farmers. Its processing facility in Weala, Margibi County, which requires 200-250 tons of raw rubber daily, has created a reliable market for thousands of farmers.
Agriculture Minister Dr. Alexander Nuetah, who was also honored at the ceremony, underscored the need for increased production, noting the industry is still operating below capacity. He reaffirmed the government’s firm policy against exporting unprocessed rubber and urged farmers to sell their produce exclusively to local processors to boost domestic value addition.
Investing in future growth
Demonstrating a long-term commitment, Jeety Rubber has extended interest-free loans to over 100 farmers to support farm replanting and expansion initiatives. This move has been celebrated as a tangible investment in the sector’s sustainability and growth.
The honoring ceremony served not only to celebrate past contributions but also to spotlight a model for responsible business practice within Liberia’s rubber industry.
The collective efforts of these companies are seen as essential pillars for the resilience and future prosperity of one of Liberia’s key agricultural sectors.