As Ghana seeks to bolster its agricultural output and drive economic growth, the concept of a 24-hour economy policy as proposed to enhance economic development, in the agriculture, agro-processing and agribusiness sectors, is emerging as a transformative approach.
By ensuring continuous operations across the agricultural value chain, the nation stands to achieve multiple critical objectives: increasing productivity, creating jobs, reducing post-harvest losses, enhancing market access, stimulating economic growth and combating food inflation.
The policy’s potential to revolutionise the agricultural landscape in Ghana cannot be overstated. By shifting towards continuous operations, the agricultural sector can optimise resource use, enhance productivity and significantly reduce waste.
The introduction of 24-hour irrigation systems and round-the-clock farming activities would ensure that land is utilised more effectively, leading to higher crop yields.
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Mechanisation and continuous agricultural extension services would further support this growth, providing farmers with the necessary tools and knowledge to operate efficiently around the clock.
The key components of the 24-hour economy policy and agricultural industrialisation are ellaborated below:
Agricultural production
The backbone of this 24-hour economy lies in agricultural production. By implementing modern irrigation systems that operate continuously, crops can be cultivated throughout the year, even in dry seasons.
Mechanisation of farming activities, from planting to harvesting, further supports these operations, ensuring efficiency and higher yields.
Additionally, round-the-clock agricultural extension services will be essential to provide farmers with the necessary technical support and innovations needed to maximise productivity.
Agro-processing
Establishing 24-hour agro-processing facilities is crucial to managing the increased agricultural output.
These plants will process raw agricultural products into finished goods, reducing the risk of spoilage and adding value to the produce.
Cold storage facilities will play a pivotal role in preserving perishable items, ensuring they remain fresh until they reach consumers.
An efficient logistics network is also necessary to support the continuous movement of goods from farms to processing plants and markets.
Agribusiness
To ensure the success of a 24-hour economy, market access for farmers and agribusinesses must be seamless.
This involves creating markets and trading hubs that operate round the clock, allowing for continuous buying and selling of agricultural products.
Financial institutions must also provide 24-hour banking and financial services to support transactions. Technology will be a key enabler, with digital platforms providing real-time market information, facilitating transactions and managing the supply chain.
Benefits of 24-hour policy implementation
Continuous operations in agriculture can dramatically increase productivity by optimising land use and crop yields through modern irrigation systems and mechanised farming.
This round-the-clock activity ensures that no time is wasted and every opportunity for growth is maximised.
The implementation of a 24-hour economy will generate substantial employment opportunities in agriculture, processing, logistics and agribusiness management, offering a new lifeline to both rural and urban economies.
A significant portion of Ghana’s agricultural produce is lost due to inadequate storage and processing facilities.
By establishing 24-hour processing plants and cold storage facilities, post-harvest losses can be drastically reduced, ensuring that more produce reaches the market in optimal condition.
Continuous market operations allow farmers and agribusinesses to access buyers at all hours, enhancing their ability to sell produce and receive timely payments.
This round-the-clock access is crucial for maintaining a steady supply of goods and ensuring food security.
The ripple effect of a 24-hour economy will stimulate economic activities in both rural and urban areas, driving income generation and contributing to overall economic growth.
Recommendations
In conclusion, transitioning to a 24-hour economy in the agriculture, agro-processing and agribusiness sectors presents a unique opportunity for productivity, creating jobs, reducing post-harvest losses and stabilising food prices.
With the right infrastructure, policies and stakeholder engagement, this initiative can transform the agriculture landscape, ensuring food security and driving economic growth across the nation.
The following strategies are proffered for consideration.
Infrastructure development
Investment in infrastructure is paramount to the success of a 24-hour agricultural economy.
This includes the development of modern irrigation systems, the construction of processing plants capable of continuous operation and the establishment of cold storage and warehouse facilities.
These investments will ensure that the agricultural value chain is robust and capable of supporting round-the-clock activities.
Capacity building
Equally important is building the capacity of the workforce. Farmers, processors and agribusiness owners need training in best practices for 24-hour operations.
Extension services should be expanded to provide continuous support, while technological adoption should be promoted to enhance efficiency across the value chain.
Policy and regulatory framework
A supportive policy environment is essential for encouraging continuous operations in agriculture and agribusiness.
This includes developing policies that incentivise 24-hour operations through tax breaks, subsidies and grants.
Regulatory oversight must also be strengthened to ensure quality standards are maintained and fair practices are observed.
Stakeholder engagement
The success of this initiative will depend on strong collaboration among the government, private sector and development partners.
Public-private partnerships should be fostered to drive infrastructure development and capacity building.
Local communities must be involved in the planning and implementation process to ensure their needs are addressed, while industry associations can play a key role in promoting best practices and advocating for supportive policies.
The writer is the Registrar, Chartered Institute of Agriculture, Ghana/ Chartered Policy Analyst
Email: kashiagbor@yahoo.com
