Asia-Pacific set to drive growth within the ploughing machinery market

The ploughing machinery market has been forecast to reach a value of US$10 billion by 2018, driven primarily by mechanisation of farming practices and government subsidies.

The primary purpose of ploughing is to turn over the upper layer of the soil, bringing fresh nutrients to the surface, while burying weeds, the remains of previous crops, and both crop and weed seeds, allowing them to break down. It also aerates the soil, allows it to hold moisture better and provides a seed-free medium for planting an alternate crop. In modern use, a ploughed field is typically left to dry out, and is then harrowed before planting.

Ploughs were initially human powered, but the process became considerably more efficient once animals were pressed into service. The first animal powered ploughs were undoubtedly pulled by oxen, and later in many areas by horses (generally draught horses) and mules, although various other animals have been used for this purpose.

In industrialised countries, the first mechanical means of pulling a plough were steam-powered (ploughing engines or steam tractors), but these were gradually superseded by internal-combustion-powered tractors.

Asia-Pacific represents the largest and the fastest growing region within the ploughing machinery market. Growth in the region will be driven by China and India. Strong economic growth and increasing investments in agricultural mechanisation techniques to boost exports are key factors encouraging growth in these countries.

Demographic factors such as rising per capita income in rural regions and shortage of farm labour in the light of increasing migration of population from villages to cities are additionally encouraging adoption of agricultural equipment.

The long-term outlook for the ploughing machinery market is positively guided by population growth and rising emphasis on food security and self- sufficiency, especially in developing countries. Declining production yields of cereals and oilseeds worldwide is expected to result in the expansion in land use for agricultural cultivation, thus benefit market demand.

For more information on the ploughing machinery market, see the latest research: Ploughing Machinery Market

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