Shri Ram Iqbal Singh is an eminent cooperative leader in India and an incumbent Chairman of National Federation of Farmers’ Procurement, Processing & Retailing Cooperatives of India Ltd. (NACOF). In the capacity of founder chairman, he had been associated with NACOF right from its conception, making a significant contribution to the development of its strategy, governance structure and national coverage.

Shri Singh has served the cooperative sector for more than 40 years and leaves behind a legacy of service, innovation and leadership. He started his journey in 1975 and has held various important positions at the national, state and district levels. He has been twice elected as Chairman of National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF), and also served as Director in various prominent organizations such as NAFED, National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI) and the Cooperative Bank of India Ltd. His experiences have also benefited other cooperative federations, where he has persistently championed farmers’ cause and development for all.

Shri Singh has been the Chairman of National Film and Fine Arts Cooperative Ltd. and has been at the forefront in the promotion of the cooperative model in the creative sector and the cultural industries. His previous association with Cooperative Tourism of India Ltd. (Cooptour) stands as testimony to his conviction supporting the extension of the cooperative movement beyond agriculture to space that generates equity as well as employment, local business and people action.

However, under his leadership, NACOF has turned into a strong and profitable federation that has raked in a turnover of more than ₹5,000 crore by March 2025. Under his business development, digital integration and institution partnership strategy, NACOF has extended its services to the procurement, processing, retailing and skill development. He has been instrumental in synchronizing NACOF’s work with the Government of India’s “Sahakar se Samriddhi” mission which means that the federation plays a role towards national objectives of rearming the country through rural empowerment and economic recovery.

Known for his indefatigable commitment and grassroot-level outreach, Shri Singh is an avid traveller, visiting member-societies across India to help in laying down more cooperative networks, seeking new opportunities and enabling member societies. His authenticity and his vision understand what our farming and rural communities face ­- socially and economically.

Shri Ram Iqbal Singh remains an influential figure in the cooperative scene of India and an inspiration for the new generation of cooperators and reiterates the power of collective action to bring about a positive change in society.