Akaraj Upreti is a distinguished leader in Nepal’s cooperative movement and rural governance, bringing over 30 years of dedicated experience to the sector. He currently serves as the Chairperson of the Nepal Agricultural Cooperative Central Federation Ltd. (NACCFL), where he leads national efforts to strengthen agricultural cooperatives and advocate for policy reform. A pioneer at the grassroots level, Mr. Upreti is the Founding Chairperson of Manahari Rural Municipality in Makawanpur, as well as the Founding Chairperson of both the Manahari Small Farmers Agricultural Cooperative and the District Agricultural Cooperative Union in Makwanpur. His extensive leadership extends beyond agriculture into environmental conservation and public service, having held vital advisory roles in community forestry and health center management. Backed by wide-ranging international exposure across Asia, he continues to be a driving force in advancing sustainable livelihoods and inclusive economic growth for Nepal’s smallholder farmers.