-CEO Upjit Singh Sachdeva and Director General Marilyn Jeety Launch Program to Reward Transporters as Company Expands Support for Liberia’s Rubber Sector
WEALA, Margibi County – In a move aimed at strengthening Liberia’s rubber value chain and rewarding a group often overlooked in the industry, Jeety Rubber LLC and Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) have announced a new financial incentive program for drivers who transport rubber from farmers to the company’s processing facilities.
Under the initiative, which takes effect on June 5, 2026, drivers will receive an additional US$5 per ton of rubber delivered to Jeety Rubber, separate from the transportation fees already paid by rubber owners.
The announcement was made by the management of Jeety Rubber LLC and SRC, which described the program as a gesture of appreciation for the critical role drivers play in connecting thousands of smallholder farmers to the market.
According to the company, a driver transporting 10 tons of rubber, for example, will receive an additional US$50 from Jeety Rubber on top of his regular transportation earnings.
Recognizing Unsung Contributors
Director General Marilyn T. Jeety said the initiative was conceived after management recognized that transport drivers have historically received little recognition despite serving as a vital link in Liberia’s rubber industry.
She noted that drivers often travel long distances under difficult road conditions to ensure that farmers can sell their rubber and earn an income.
“Drivers have been among the unsung contributors to the growth of the rubber sector since the establishment of Jeety Rubber. This initiative is intended to show our appreciation for their hard work and dedication over the years,” she said.
The company also believes the incentive will encourage greater participation in rubber transportation activities and help improve the efficiency of rubber collection from farming communities across the country.
Supporting Farmers and Rural Livelihoods
The latest incentive comes amid growing recognition of Jeety Rubber’s expanding role in Liberia’s rubber sector.
Over the past year, the company has emerged as one of the country’s largest purchasers and processors of natural rubber, particularly from smallholder farmers who depend on the commodity as a major source of household income.
Earlier this year, the Rubber Planters Association of Liberia (RPAL) and the Rubber Development Fund Incorporated (RDFI) honored Jeety Rubber Chief Executive Officer Dr. Upjit Singh Sachdeva—popularly known as “Jeety”—for what they described as his company’s consistent support to rubber farmers during challenging market conditions. The organizations even bestowed upon him the Liberian name “Kolleh,” meaning “a bright and good man,” in recognition of his contributions to the sector.
Farmer groups have credited the company with helping sustain livelihoods at a time when market uncertainty affected rubber producers in several parts of the country.
Building a Bigger Rubber Industry
Founded in Weala, Margibi County, Jeety Rubber has grown into a major player in Liberia’s natural rubber industry, focusing on rubber processing, value addition, and export. The company has repeatedly emphasized its goal of helping Liberia move beyond exporting raw materials to producing higher-value rubber products.
The company gained additional prominence in 2024 when it acquired Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC), one of Liberia’s largest rubber plantations, preserving hundreds of jobs and expanding its footprint in the country’s agricultural sector.
Industry observers say the acquisition strengthened the company’s ability to support both rubber farmers and local manufacturing ambitions.
Jeety has publicly stated his desire to see Liberia eventually produce finished rubber products, including tires and other industrial goods, rather than exporting only raw rubber.
Businessman, Diplomat, and Philanthropist
Beyond his business ventures, Dr. Upjit Singh Sachdeva is widely known in Liberia for his humanitarian and philanthropic activities.
Having lived and worked in Liberia since the late 1980s, the Indian-born businessman has become one of the country’s most recognizable investors and charitable figures. He currently serves as Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic in Liberia and previously served as Honorary Consul General of India for more than two decades.
His charitable work has included support for educational institutions, healthcare facilities, scholarship programs, community feeding initiatives, and humanitarian assistance for vulnerable populations. According to humanitarian organizations, millions of meals have been distributed through programs supported by Sachdeva over the years.
Jeety Rubber and SRC have also invested in schools, clinics, water systems, and community development projects in areas surrounding their operations.
A Boost for Rural Transporters
For many drivers who transport rubber from farms to processing facilities, the new incentive is expected to provide an additional source of income at a time when transportation costs continue to rise.
Industry stakeholders say the initiative could strengthen relationships between transporters, farmers, and processors while improving the overall efficiency of Liberia’s rubber supply chain.
As the program takes effect this month, Jeety Rubber says it remains committed to supporting all actors within the rubber sector—from farmers and transporters to factory workers and surrounding communities.
Company officials believe that a stronger rubber industry can only be built when everyone who contributes to the value chain is recognized and rewarded.
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