Niv Agriculture, an Israeli processor and marketer of fresh fruit segments, has signed an agreement with the State of Magalia in India for co-operation in a fruit processing venture.

The contract calls for the establishment, in Magalia, of an infrastructure for processing fresh fruit cut into segments and ready to eat products.

The government of India has invested significant sums of money in the modernisation of agricultural practices In Magalia, which have primarily been based on traditional methods, as farmers have used very few, if any, fertlisers or chemicals. The investment has been earmarked towards the develop of good agricultural practices in Magalia, and one of the principle aims is the fostering of co-operation with foreign companies.

Shlomo Korech, ceo of Niv Agriculture, which markets under the "Tari-Bari" brand, said his company will transfer its know-how to the new plant in Magalia, in processing pomegranates arils, fruit salads, Tzabar, Sweetie citrus segments, mango, melon, apples and pears.