Seed Co develops more varieties for regional markets.      Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX) listed seed producer, Seed Co International is developing more seed varieties for both grain and vegetables that suit conditions across its regional markets in an effort to boost agricultural yields and food security. This comes as bad weather patterns due to climate change have affected production creating scope for more early maturing and cost effective seed varieties. In an operations update for the year to March 30, 2022, group chief executive officer Morgan Nzwere highlighted several varieties that were released during the financial year while trials for others are still ongoing. The group released five new varieties in Zambia, four in Malawi and licensed early maturing yellow maize varieties in Nigeria as well as a top cross hybrid aimed at improving ease of production. Mr Nzwere added the group also licensed a striga tolerant yellow sorghum variety for commercialization in Nigeria as well as four rice varieties which were licensed for commercialization as well in Zambia and Malawi while pilot productions are ongoing.

Caledonia gold production in 29% surge               Gold production at Victoria Falls Stock – Exchange listed Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc increased by 29% to 38 606 ounces in the first half of this year compare to the same period last year. Last year in the first half, gold production stood at 29 907 ounces. Caledonia, which is also listed on the New York Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange, operates Gwanda – based gold producer Blanket Mine. The mining firm has been on an aggressive expansion drive over the past five years. The company’s chief operating officer Dana Roets said production in the first half of 2022 was “excellent” and exceeded “our expectations.” Production excluded an estimate approximately 1 500 ounces of recoverable gold included in an ore stockpile which will be processed after the commissioning of additional milling capacity in the next few weeks,” Roets said