*4.4.2 Farmers access to new agricultural technologies*

Malawi's biosafety legal framework does not hinder the commercialization of approved technologies. Before varietal release of the Bt cotton hybrids, field demonstrations across key cotton-growing districts were done to help farmers with the potential of the technology (Bollgard II) and hybrid cotton varieties to help farmers build a positive perception about the benefits. However, the cost of Bollgard II hybrid cotton seeds was US\$30 (MK 25,000) in 2021 became a concern. This means that for a hectare, farmers spend US\$ 123.5 at a seeds rate of 4 kg/ha compared to US\$ 1.2/kg for OPVs. The Bt cotton seed grown in Malawi are supplied from India and transport/ import cost make seed prices higher and affects the adoption of the technology by smallholder farmers. Trainings on GM cotton seed multiplication for local farmers is underway to reduce cost on seed importation which is anticipated to result into affordable seed cost and improve its accessibility and adoption by smallholder farmers.
