Milma chairman Balan Master, 74, dead

P A Balan Master, Chairman, Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (KCMMF) or Milma, died here on Saturday. He was 74. Master was undergoing treatment for cerebral haemorrhage for the past one month.

A native of Avinissery in Thrissur, 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.