Interlink Platform for Dairy Importer and Seller

Abstract

The dairy supply chain traditionally relies on multiple intermediaries, which increases product cost and reduces profit margins for producers. This paper proposes a web-based platform that directly connects dairy producers with importers or consumers through an interactive bidding system. Sellers can list their products, and buyers place bids based on their preferred pricing. Sellers then choose the most favorable bid, and an order is created accordingly. The platform also features a transparent feedback system that allows buyers to rate and review sellers, fostering accountability and informed purchasing decisions. The system is developed using PHP, MySQL, Bootstrap, and JavaScript technologies, offering an accessible and secure interface for both parties. This research outlines the platform\'s design, implementation, and potential to streamline the dairy trade, reduce costs, and empower local producers through direct market access.

Introduction

The dairy industry plays a crucial role in agriculture and the economy, but traditional supply chains often suffer from inefficiencies, such as dependence on intermediaries, lack of market access for small producers, and price opacity. To address these issues, a web-based platform—the Interlink Platform for Dairy Importers and Sellers—was proposed and developed.

Purpose & Objectives:

• Facilitate direct interaction between dairy producers and buyers.

• Remove intermediaries to boost farmer profits and reduce consumer costs.

• Implement features such as real-time bidding, automated order management, and user feedback.

• Improve market accessibility for small and medium dairy producers.

Methodology:

Developed using the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) approach:

• Frontend: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Bootstrap

• Backend: PHP

• Database: MySQL

• Testing: Functional and user acceptance tests

• Deployment: Local web server (XAMPP)

Platform Features:

• Real-time bidding system

• Secure login and user-specific dashboards

• Order automation after bid acceptance

• Feedback and rating system

• Simple, mobile-friendly interface for rural accessibility

Advantages:

• Eliminates middlemen, enhancing profitability and affordability

• Enables dynamic pricing through bidding

• Encourages transparency with reviews

• Expands market access beyond local regions

• Reduces manual work via automation

Disadvantages:

• Requires digital literacy, which can limit adoption

• No integrated payment or delivery tracking

• Vulnerable to fake bids and security threats without encryption

• Dependent on reliable internet, which may be lacking in rural areas

Conclusion

The Interlink Platform for Dairy Importer and Seller provides a modern, efficient, and transparent solution to traditional dairy trade challenges. By enabling direct interaction between producers and buyers, the platform promotes fair pricing, eliminates unnecessary costs, and empowers local producers. The inclusion of a bidding system and feedback mechanism enhances competitiveness and trust. Although the current version has some limitations—such as the lack of integrated payment and delivery systems—the core structure offers vast potential for future enhancements. As digital infrastructure continues to improve, such platforms could play a pivotal role in transforming agricultural commerce and supporting inclusive rural development.

References

[1] Sharma, R., & Singh, A. (2021). Digital Marketplaces in Agriculture: A Case Study on E-Agri Platforms. International Journal of Computer Applications, 183(45), 22-28. [2] Kumar, N., & Patel, M. (2020). Design and Implementation of Online Bidding System for Farmers. IJIRCCE, 8(3), 1421–1427. [3] W3Schools. (n.d.). https://www.w3schools.com/php/ [4] MySQL Documentation. (n.d.). https://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/8.0/en/ [5] MDN Web Docs. (n.d.). https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web [6] Bootstrap Documentation. (n.d.). https://getbootstrap.com/docs/5.0/getting-started/introduction/ [7] IndiaStat. (2023). https://www.indiastat.com/ [8] Stack Overflow & GitHub Discussions – Technical forums used for development references.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Riya Deshmukh, Siddhant Gupta, Shrushti Thorat, Pooja Atalkar, Vaishnavi Yawale. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.