CAMERON HIGHLANDS: The Kinta Highlands Agroto Collection, Processing and Packaging Centre (CPPC) has been billed as the biggest highland vegetable centre in the country, said Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.

He told reporters that Agroto Business (M) Sdn Bhd, a company that was established from the partnership between the state government through Perak State Agricultural Development Cooperation (SADC) and Bumper Orchard (M) Sdn Bhd, formed the centre in compliance with the rules set by the state government.

This project combines modern and traditional agricultural concept through green house plantation project and open farming.

The centre handles 5,000 tonnes of vegetables every month and these vegetables will be distributed around the nation.

The centre, which is located 20km away from Kampung Raja was officially opened by Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah yesterday.

The state ruler and his consort Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim visited the CPPC and also the fertiliser pump house, nursery, green and red coral house and grape plantation.

“Before this, the country had to import high-quality vegetables like lettuce, capsicum, cucumber and Japanese cucumber but with this centre, the country does not need to solely rely on imported vegetables,” he added.

Agroto chairman Datuk Ahmad Salimin Ahmad Shaffie, who was also at the press conference, said he hoped in two years time, the plantation would be able to provide 6,000 tonnes of vegetables for the whole nation.

“Our aim is to become a leading vegetable supplier and producer in the country. Now, we are supplying our vegetables to Taiwan and Singapore.

“In the future, you will see Agroto vegetables like cabbage, salanova and tomato in leading shopping malls in the country and around the world,” he added.