Kerala: Milma chairman Balan Master dies at 74

THRISSUR: P A Balan Master, chairman, Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (KCMMF) or Milma, died here on Saturday.
He was 74. He was undergoing treatment for cerebral haemorrhage for the past one month.
He was a native of Avinissery town.
"Master is survived by his wife and two children. A founding leader of Milma, Master had been active in the co-operative sector of the state for over four decades. Serving as the director of KCMMF and its regional unions for the past 30 years, Master played a lead role in the growth of Milma as a dairy major of the country, having a network of over 3,000 primary co-operatives across the state with a million dairy farmers affiliated to them. His dedication and vision had contributed in turning Milma into one of largest co-operative institutions with a turnover of Rs 3000 crore," a statement issued by Milma said.
He was chairman of KCMMF for a period of 5 years.
As vice-president of Kerala Karshaka Congress, he also served as chairman, Ernakulam Regional Union, for two terms.
He was a teacher by profession. His experience, empathy and managerial skills came in handy to steer Milma through the challenges during the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
He was popular in the dairy sector as he was the president of Milk Societies Association and a member of the State Cooperative Union.
Before the formation of Milma, he was director of Thrissur District Milk Supply Union.