32. Suppliers of Tin Sheet, Iron Pipes - Girders - Frames etc.: This category includes the vendors who provide the raw materials for a wide range of farm structures, from roofing sheds and temporary shelters to making fences and gates. A farmer needs to source these materials directly to ensure quality and avoid the markups of a general contractor.
Caution Note: Suppliers may try to sell you lower-gauge or recycled materials at the price of new, standard-gauge items. Thinner tin sheets and pipes will bend easily and have a shorter lifespan. Always use a gauge meter to check the thickness of the materials and be explicit about whether you want new or recycled items.
33. Small Furniture and Fixtures; This covers everything from charpoys (string beds) and plastic chairs for laborers to a small table and stool for your farm manager. These items make the farm habitable and functional for the workers.
Caution Note: Local vendors may overcharge you by 20-30% for simple, low-cost items, banking on your lack of knowledge of local market prices. Do not assume the prices are fixed; always bargain aggressively, and if possible, ask your trusted local contact to help you with the purchase.
34. Color and White Wash Services; This service is needed for painting farm buildings, staff quarters, and other structures. A good coat of paint not only improves aesthetics but also protects buildings from the elements.
Caution Note: Unscrupulous painters may use a lower grade of paint than you paid for or dilute it excessively to stretch the material and save costs. They may also over-report the number of days worked. To ensure quality, ask them to use a specific brand and be present when they are mixing the paint.
35. Waste Handlers; This service is for managing and disposing of farm waste, including crop residue, plastic waste, and construction debris. Improper waste management can harm the environment and lead to penalties.
Caution Note: Waste handlers may illegally dump your waste in a nearby field or water body, creating a future environmental and legal liability for you. Get a written agreement on the disposal location and try to verify it yourself. Prioritize vendors who use the waste for composting or recycling.
36. Food Material Suppliers & Cooks; If you have laborers staying on the farm, you will need vendors to supply daily food rations and a cook to prepare meals. This is essential for worker well-being and productivity.
Caution Note: Food suppliers may provide low-quality or spoiled rations, and a cook may over-report material usage. This can lead to health issues for your staff and a bad reputation for you as an employer. Have a clear list of what is to be purchased, check the quality of the food items, and keep a daily log of consumption.
