The research department has two sections which focus on research issues affecting the profitability of the industry.  These are:

• Irrigation
• Agronomy

The CANEGRO computer crop model is used to simulate potential cane yields each season using a range of crops to represent the milling season.

SSA Technical Services provides extension services (advice) on the basis of research output. The Swaziland Sugarcane Production Manual adequately compliments the technical advice to growers and this is available to sugarcane growers in English and siSwati at a small fee.

The current research programme focuses on the key areas affecting the profitability of

the industry.  These can be divided into four namely.

• Varieties and Chemical Ripening
• Irrigation
• Crop Nutrition
• Crop Protection

Each mill performs the cane testing function. SSA's Cane Testing Services Section provides an audit on all cane testing operations at industry level. The audit covers equipment and instruments, sampling and analytical methods and practices as well as maintenance of records and documents. This is to ensure that the cane payment process is equitable to both the miller and the grower.