Addressing his first public meeting after the defeat of the BJP-led NDA, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi preferred silence on political issues.

In his speech at the inauguration function of the two-week long ‘Krishi Mahotsav’ at Deesa, 22 km from Palanpur, Mr. Modi did not make any political comments either on drubbing of BJP in the national elections or on gaining less than expected seats in Lok Sabha elections.

During his entire speech Mr. Modi focused his attention on development of agriculture in Gujarat. “We will start soil health management course in all the four agriculture universities in the State,” he said.

“As North Gujarat is on the top in producing castor in the world, the State government has decided to establish special economic zones for the value addition and research on it,” Mr. Modi said, adding that instead of exporting castor, value added components of the castor should be exported.

The Chief Minister also announced the formation of a new veterinary university named Kamdhenu in Sabarkantha district.

He also announced establishment of Asia’s biggest ultra-modern 24-hour veterinary clinic in Deesa.