Milk procurement is a critical component of the dairy value chain, determining the efficiency, quality, profitability, and sustainability of dairy enterprises. In the livestock business management context, procurement refers to the collection of raw milk from producers, its aggregation, quality testing, payment mechanisms, and transportation to processing or marketing points. The milk procurement system in the dairy sector can broadly be divided into organised and unorganised sectors, each having distinct structural, operational, and economic characteristics. The organised dairy sector includes cooperatives, private dairy companies, and government-supported dairy federations that operate through structured supply chains. Cooperative models such as those inspired by the Anand pattern involve a three-tier system consisting of village-level dairy cooperative societies, district milk unions, and state federations. At the village level, milk producers become members of cooperative societies and supply milk twice daily to collection centers. These societies maintain records of milk quantity and quality, often using automated milk collection units equipped with electronic weighing scales and milk analyzers that measure fat and solids-not-fat (SNF) content. Payment to farmers is usually based on quality parameters, encouraging producers to maintain better animal health, feeding practices, and hygiene. Private organised dairies operate similarly in terms of structured procurement but differ in ownership and profit orientation. They establish milk collection centers or bulk milk cooling units (BMCs) in milk-producing regions and may engage agents or contractors to collect milk from farmers. Many private companies provide extension services such as veterinary care, artificial insemination, feed supply, and training programs to ensure consistent milk supply and quality. The organised sector emphasizes cold chain management, beginning with immediate chilling of milk at village or cluster-level cooling units to maintain quality during transportation to processing plants. Transportation is typically done in insulated tankers, ensuring minimal spoilage and microbial growth. A significant advantage of the organised procurement system is transparency in pricing and timely payment to farmers, often through digital or bank transfer mechanisms. Farmers benefit from assured market access, technical support, and input services, which improve productivity and income stability. Organised procurement also supports traceability, food safety compliance, and quality assurance, which are essential for processed dairy products and export markets. However, the organised sector may face challenges such as high infrastructure costs, dependency on consistent supply volumes, logistical complexities in remote areas, and competition from local vendors who sometimes offer immediate cash payments. In contrast, the unorganised dairy sector is characterized by informal milk collection and marketing