The country has sold over 3000 metric tons of cotton since the opening of the cotton market over three weeks ago, raking in K4 billion in the process.

Cotton Council of Malawi spokesperson Prisca Jamali is upbeat for more sales as the market will close in September.

Jamali however laments continued holding of cotton due to changes in the cotton market. 

"Farmers are not very conversant with the newly structured market, which has resulted in their resistance to bring the white gold to the market. We hope to see an improvement," said Jamali.

An agriculture expert, Leonard Chimwaza, says it will remain difficult for Malawi to realize actual benefits from cotton due to delays in the commencement of the market and cotton pricing, among others. 

"We need to work on the concerns of the farmers if we are to reap the fruits we want from cotton. This is possible if embraced. the prices are frastrutating the farmers," said Chimwaza.

In the structured market, cotton farmers are being paid through banks.