Evaluation of High Density Polyethylene as Alternatives for Wooden Poles in Electric Fence

Tshering Penjor, Lhap Dorji, Geley Namgay, Pema Thinley & Choki Nima

ABSTRACT

To reduce wooden pole usage in electric fencing, ARDC-Wengkhar with financial support from the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environment Conservation (BTFEC) has been evaluating High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe as an alternative for wooden poles in electric fence. The trial was conducted in two remote villages in Saling gewog under Mongar dzongkhag. The HDPE with two different specifications of 75mm and 50mm were evaluated. The initial investment cost of HDPE pipe is found to be more than three time higher than that of wooden poles which could not be afforded by average Bhutanese farmers. However, HDPE pole substitution could save about 41.63 m3 of forest volume which could produce Nu. 42,448 worth of ecological services for the country in construction of 1km electric fence.

Keywords: Crop Damage, HDPE pipe, Electric fence, Ecological Services

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