ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly was informed on Wednesday that the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) had developed ten hybrids of maize, sunflower, canola and fodder to increase their production.

Parliamentary Secretary for National Food Security and Research Rajab Ali Baloch told the House during question hour that efforts were underway to develop rice and cotton hybrids.

He said benefits of these hybrids depended on the volume of investments.

To a question, Rajab Ali Baloch said National Agricultural Research Centre had developed a bio-radiation model for waste water treatment for irrigation. He pointed out this technology reduced water related and water borne crop diseases and damages to national bio-diversity.

Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi told the House that the government was trying hard to make the recovery of electricity bills from consumers.

Answering a question, the Minister said Ministry of Water and Power was sponsoring a number of water sector development projects pertaining to small dams.

He said so far about 30 small dams have been built in different provinces.

Parliamentary Secretary for Industries and Production Rao Ajmal said during the last two years Pakistan Steel has suffered losses due to interrupted supply chain of raw material and insufficient fund position. He said at present Pakistan Steel is closed due to non-supply of gas. He hoped that gas supply will be restored next month.