Belize's Agricultural Health Authorities have detected the presence of a new pest known as the Panicle Rice Mite affecting rice crops in the country.

The pest which is a tiny insect-like organism is related to spiders and feeds on the rice plants, causing the grains to be malformed, discoloured and hollow.

According to experts, some experiences in Central America indicate that the pest if not controlled can completely wipe out production if the pest is not properly managed.

Meanwhile farmers in Belzie have been asked to destroy all plants in or near rice fields.