The Liberian rubber sector has recognized Businessman Upjit Singh Sachdeva, widely known as Jeety, for his significant contributions and unwavering support to the industry, particularly during challenging times. The Rubber Planters Association of Liberia (RPAL) and the Rubber Development Fund Incorporated (RDFI) jointly bestowed an honor upon Jeety Rubber, acknowledging its role as a crucial partner in sustaining the livelihoods of smallholder rubber farmers.
This commendation arrives at a pivotal moment for Liberia’s rubber industry, which has recently seen the implementation of a government-regulated farm-gate pricing system. This reform was initiated to address long-standing farmer grievances regarding pricing practices that previously allowed buyers to unilaterally set rates.
A Partner in Times of Uncertainty
The certificate of honor, presented to Jeety Rubber’s CEO, Mr. Sachdeva, specifically highlighted the company’s steadfast commitment. RPAL President Wilhelmina Mulbah Siaway and RDFI Chairman J. Tokpah Mulbah stated in the certificate: “This Certificate of Honor is in recognition of your exceptional contributions to Liberia’s rubber sector and your unwavering support for rubber farmers, particularly during critical periods of limited market access.” They further lauded Jeety Rubber’s dedication to “sustaining farmer livelihoods and promoting community welfare.”
This support was particularly vital when other major buyers, notably Firestone Liberia, temporarily suspended their rubber purchases in response to the government’s decision to introduce a regulated pricing structure in June 2025. Firestone, a significant purchaser of smallholder rubber, had cited the new mandatory pricing as unsustainable and not reflective of its operational costs and social obligations. The current status of Firestone’s rubber purchases remains unclear.
The Impact of Regulated Pricing
The government-backed pricing system, introduced in 2025, aims to ensure fairer compensation for farmers. As of March, the government-mandated price for a ton of rubber stands at US$690. However, after deductions for taxes and contributions to the RDFI and RPAL, farmers typically receive around US$657 per ton.
Jeety Rubber, which operates a substantial rubber processing facility in Weala, Margibi County, valued at over US$75 million, plays a critical role in absorbing a significant portion of the country’s rubber output. The facility requires a daily intake of 200 to 250 tons of raw rubber, translating to an annual demand of 25,000 to 40,000 tons. Smallholder farmers are the primary suppliers to Jeety Rubber, making the company’s continued engagement crucial for their economic stability.
Cultural Recognition and Industry Outlook
Beyond the formal certificate, the honoring ceremony saw Mr. Jeety receive a profound cultural distinction. He was robed in traditional Liberian attire and conferred the Liberian name “Kolleh,” meaning “a bright and good man.” This rare cultural honor underscores the deep respect and esteem he has garnered within the community.
Also recognized at the event were Agriculture Minister Dr. Alexander Nuetah and the Liberia Agriculture Company. Minister Nuetah seized the opportunity to address farmers directly, emphasizing the urgent need to increase rubber production. He noted that the industry’s current output falls significantly short of the combined processing capacity of the nation’s four processors.
“The factories are ready. The price regime is fair and transparent. What we now need is production, more tapping, more output, more commitment from every farmer with rubber on their land,” Minister Nuetah stated, highlighting that despite available infrastructure and markets, production shortfalls persist. Last year’s total output was approximately 180,000 tons, falling considerably short of government targets.
Government Policy and Farmer Responsibility
Minister Nuetah also reaffirmed the government’s stringent policy against the export of unprocessed rubber. He reminded farmers and their cooperatives of their obligation to sell exclusively to domestic processors and to refrain from engaging with informal roadside buyers operating outside the regulatory framework. The Minister stressed that selling to external entities undermines the sector and weakens policy enforcement.
This position is reinforced by Executive Order No. 151, issued by the Government of Liberia in August 2025. This order explicitly bans the export of raw rubber, a move designed to stimulate local processing, boost job creation, and enhance revenue generation. The order mandates domestic processing with penalties for non-compliance.
Supporting Farmer Growth
In a proactive move to bolster the industry’s production capacity, Jeety Rubber has been actively supporting smallholder farmers. Since 2025, the company has extended interest-free loans to over 100 farmers. These loans are intended to finance farm replanting and expansion initiatives. The repayment of these loans is structured to be gradual, with agreed deductions made from the farmers’ future rubber sales, creating a sustainable cycle of support and growth.
