RICE is poised to create hundreds of new jobs in Medway.

Award-winning entrepreneur Moni Varma, the founder of Veetee Rice, has launched a range of cooked rice products that can be heated in a microwave.

Mr Varma employs about 200 people at the firm's base on the Medway City Estate, Strood. But many more will be needed as sales of the new lines take off.

Mr Varma, 58, said: "There will be at least 400 to 500 jobs here. I am absolutely convinced about this product."

Waitrose is already selling the Dine In range of basmati, Thai jasmine and pilau rice developed in the company’s kitchens in Medway. Other supermarkets will be stocking them soon.

The new line is aimed at the booming ready-meals market, which is worth billions of pounds. The lines have a 12-month shelf life and are ready to eat after two minutes in the oven.

Mr Varma, 58, geared up for the launch by spending £25million on a huge warehouse and offices on a five-acre site at Neptune Close, close to the firm's existing storage area on the banks of the River Medway.

* See the Medway Messenger (Monday, June 18) for the full story.