Since independence, Swaziland’s economic policy has intentionally focused on achieving rapid growth in the agricultural production and on the reduction of food imports so as to achieve self-sufficiency in food as well as to conserve the country’s restricted earnings from foreign exchange. The purpose of the Town (Malkerns), which is mainly agricultural, is to control and regulate urban development as well as to protect and reserve prime arable (agricultural) land thereby
providing much needed work opportunities for the population of Malkerns area in addition to ensuring that food self-sufficiency remain an attainable goal in the furtherance of the general prosperity of the Kingdom as a whole. The total area measures 9036 Hectares of which 8452 hectares is for agricultural use and the remaining 584 Hectares is for human settlements.
Pineapple Growing
Swazican also process a large quantity of pineapples, grown in the ‘middle veld’ valley – Malkerns, and export the canned fruit and juice to Europe
Poultry
Broiler production is one of the largest animal production industries in Swaziland and the primary source of income for most smallholder farmers. In Malkerns, we have one of the major farmers and producers of broiler chickens to ensure food security and generate income.
Maize Growing
Maize is one of the most potential cereals crop grown globally, and is the third after wheat and rice in total food grain production . Due to its high adaptability and productivity, the cultivation of maize spread rapidly around the globe and is currently being produced in most countries of the world. Maize is the staple food for the Swazi people and the most important crop grown in Swaziland.
Sugar cane growing
Swaziland is the fourth largest producer of sugar in Africa and is 25th in production in the world. This demonstrates the immense focus of the sugar industry in order to continue to grow the Swaziland economy. Part of the cane is grown at Malkerns and is transported to the sugar mills for processing.