By David Menjor
Monrovia-Liberia: Small rubber farmers across the Country are to receive support from DEENAM Biomass to allow them access value for money on their redundant trees.
The disclosure was recently made to the farmers at a town-hall meeting in Gbarnga, Bong County by Martin Greenwood who assured that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) is expected to be signed between his company and individual small rubber farmers to guarantee them a fair deal.
Greewood is the President of DEENAM Biomass, and in his remarks, expressed gratitude that more rubber farmers made it to the meeting even though it was on a short notice.
He said the farmers would take joy in cutting down redundant trees and replant them, knowing the cut down trees will never be useless nor wasteful but productive in the manufacturing industries overseas.
“The by-product from this will be purchased from owners of farms and later shipped overseas for industrial purposes,” he assured, adding that the initiative provides hundreds of employment opportunities for the local inhabitants.
Liberia is among the poorest countries in the world, although it boasts abundant natural resources that have immense potential to accelerate its growth. The country struggles with high unemployment due to a lack of a thriving private sector.
Considering these realities, Greenwood also disclosed that his company will not relent in taking seriously its corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) to the people and their respective communities. He noted that his company, being 100 percent Liberian-owned, will do whatever is necessary to support the upliftment of people’s lives from abject poverty.
He noted that the hybrid will be the most suitable to allow a fast growth and expansion of the rubber industry in Liberia to grow rapidly and expand.
The gathering, impressively attended by members of the National Rubber Farmers Union of Liberia, also highlighted the many challenges confronting the sector, hoping that with interventions such as DEENAM Biomass’s, situations would improve and living conditions elevated to a better status, each.
Also speaking at the meeting was the Board Chair of NARBFUL, Francis S. Younge, who thanked DEENAM BIOMASS President for the opportunity to be accorded small rubber farmers. Younge called upon the government to end what he termed as marginalization of small rubber farmers by the big players.
He said while there are challenges, the Unity Party led government is making efforts to rebrand the robust Agricultural sector, especially by ensuring the inclusion of small farmers in its endeavors.
Solomon C. Heddwilliams, Deputy Minister for Technical Services at the Ministry of Agriculture spoke on behalf of the government and in his remarks expressed appreciation to DEENAM Biomass for joining ranks with other investors in helping alleviate many economic challenges confronting Liberia and its people.
Heddwilliams said it is welcoming that Liberian farmers are ecstatic about their jobs and are keen to see Liberia become more productive through the agriculture sector.
He added that DEENAM CEO, Greenwood is no stranger to Liberia and he always means well for this country. Hedwilliams told the participants that the days of marginalization are over, adding that small farmers form an integral part of the government’s Agricultural strategic plan.
He further cautioned them to be patient and allow the new approach to come together. He pleaded with the farmers to work and protect opportunities that come their way.
Heddwilliams said President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s administration takes keen interest in ensuring mechanized farming approach becomes a viable means for expansive production efforts.
A few of the participants also made remarks with each welcoming the new development and expressing hope that things would change to guarantee them value for their labor and rubber trees.
