Liberian Rubber Sector Honors Businessman Jeety for Crucial Support
Monrovia, Liberia – March 26, 2026 – In a significant display of appreciation, the Rubber Planters Association of Liberia (RPAL) and the Rubber Development Fund Incorporated (RDFI) have jointly recognized Mr. Upjit Singh Sachdeva, globally known as Jeety, for his company’s profound and unwavering contributions to Liberia’s vital rubber industry. The businessman, a prominent figure in the Liberian economic landscape, was not only presented with a Certificate of Honor but also bestowed with the Liberian name “Kolleh,” a deep cultural gesture signifying respect and his integration within the community.
The associations lauded Jeety Rubber as an indispensable partner, highlighting the company’s steadfast commitment to smallholder farmers. This support proved particularly crucial during a period when other major buyers ceased their operations in protest of the Liberian government’s newly implemented regulated farm-gate pricing policy.
The Certificate of Honor, a tangible testament to his impact, explicitly cited “exceptional contributions to Liberia’s rubber sector and your unwavering support to farmers, especially during periods of limited market access.” The document, bearing the signatures of RPAL President Wilhelmina Mulbah Siaway and RDFI Chairman J. Tokpah Mulbah, further elaborated that Jeety Rubber’s dedication to sustaining livelihoods and fostering community welfare is “highly commendable.”
This recognition comes as a direct result of Jeety Rubber’s consistent adherence to the Ministry of Agriculture’s regulated pricing system. Introduced in June 2025, this policy was a response to farmers’ long-standing grievances regarding exploitative pricing practices by some buyers. As of the current date in March 2026, the government-mandated price for a ton of rubber is set at US$690, with farmers typically receiving approximately US$657 after statutory deductions.
The introduction of the regulated pricing system triggered a significant market disruption. Firestone Liberia, historically the largest purchaser of smallholder rubber, immediately suspended its buying activities. The company cited the regulated price as unsustainable and incompatible with its operational expenses and social responsibilities. The current status of Firestone’s rubber purchasing remains uncertain.
Jeety Rubber operates a substantial US$75 million processing facility located in Weala, Margibi County. This facility has a daily demand for raw rubber ranging between 200 and 250 tons. Annually, the company’s requirement falls between 25,000 and 40,000 tons, with the vast majority sourced directly from smallholder farmers across the country.
Beyond the formal commendation, the honoring ceremony witnessed a profound cultural exchange. Mr. Jeety was ceremoniously robed in traditional Liberian attire, a symbolic act of acceptance and integration. He was then formally given the Liberian name “Kolleh,” meaning “a bright and good man.” This significant honor underscores the deep respect and positive regard he has cultivated within the local communities and the broader Liberian society.
The event also saw other notable figures and entities receive recognition, including Dr. Alexander Nuetah, the Minister of Agriculture, and the Liberia Agriculture Company.
Addressing Production Gaps: A Call for Increased Output
In his address during the ceremony, Minister Nuetah seized the opportunity to urge smallholder farmers to intensify their production efforts. He pointed out that the Liberian rubber industry is currently operating significantly below the combined intake capacity of the nation’s four established processing companies. Last year’s total rubber output hovered around 180,000 tons, a figure that falls considerably short of the country’s ambitious national production targets.
“The factories are ready. The price regime is fair and transparent. What we need now is production—more tapping, more output, more commitment from everyone with rubber on their land,” Minister Nuetah emphasized, articulating a clear roadmap for the sector’s advancement.
The Minister also reiterated the government’s firm stance against the export of unprocessed rubber. He reminded farmers and cooperatives of their obligation to sell their produce exclusively to licensed processors, warning against engaging with informal or roadside buyers who operate outside the established regulatory framework. This policy was further solidified by Executive Order No. 151, issued in August 2025, which explicitly bans the export of raw rubber. The primary objectives of this order are to stimulate domestic processing, generate employment opportunities, and enhance national revenue streams.
In a proactive move to address the persistent challenges hindering industry production, Jeety Rubber has been actively supporting farmers since 2025. The company has provided interest-free loans to over 100 farmers, specifically earmarked for farm replanting and expansion initiatives. These loans are designed to be repaid incrementally through agreed-upon deductions from future rubber sales, offering a sustainable financial model for farmer development.
