In Balaka, cotton farmers have decried the hike in cotton seed prices in the previous year and poor prices on the market as a set back to the farming.

Youths and women in Senior Chief Chanthunya in Balaka district have attributed their success in cotton farming to study circle approach that is addressing several issues in access to cotton seed and income through diversifying into goat production among others.

Cotton farmers in the country have described this year as a tough one largely marred by lack of reliable markets to sell the farm produce.