Pune, Feb 14 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi combined business, development and a political agenda as he went about various functions, topping off with a private lunch with NCP leader Sharad Pawar at his home, here Saturday.

Modi sought to throw open the doors of the country to global manufacturers to 'Make In India' and stressed on modernizing agriculture to make it competitive in the global arena at two major events.

The prime minister inaugurated US giant General Electrics' first multi-modal integrated manufacturing unit that would create around 1,500 jobs and target half its production for exports.

Speaking on the occasion, Modi said that India has been the focus of the world for its speedy development record in the past few months and acknowledged as the fastest growing economy with a GDP of 7.4 percent.

"We have a huge force of talented youth manpower which can work as a magnetic force for development. Procedures to set up new industries have been drastically simplified and norms for industries reduced... Manufacturers from all over the world can come here for mutual benefits and enjoy a win-win situation with 'Make In India'," he urged.

Referring to the wealth of talent and youth, Modi said the world was stunned to learn that India managed to build and send a spacecraft to Mars at less than the cost of a Hollywood movie.

He said India is now in a position to supply defence equipment to the developing and third world countries at a much lower rate and both sides could benefit immensely from this.

"Pune, the academic hub, can start defence related courses to cater to this requirement. We have the talent and skills that can attract technology from all over the world. The youth are the central focus of our development activities," Modi noted.

The PM called for exploring shipbuilding industry in view of the country's huge coastline and thus creating immense job opportunities for coastal states and compete at a global level.

Modi also visited the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Baramati, laid the foundation stone for the Centre for Excellence for Vegetable Production and addressed farmers where he called for measures to improve and technologically advance the Indian agriculture sector to make it globally competitive.

He pointed out that Indians are presently living in a global economy and competing in the global markets, which they must strive to capture.

For that, there must be large-scale improvements in the agro-sector with the infusion of new technology and latest practices to play in the global markets.

In this context, he asked the sugar industry to capture the global markets since India is already the world's second largest producer of the commodity.

"However, the Indian farmer is very skeptical and discerning before adopting any new techniques. He will study at depth before discarding old methods to take up modern practices," Modi noted.

Agriculture must also have value-additions which reach and benefit the maximum number of farmers and priority must be given to industries which benefit the rural agro-economy, he urged.

Calling for a "holistic approach", Modi discussed various issues to develop the agriculture, stressed on water conservation efforts to get maximum benefits out of minimum rainfall and market logistics support.

Referring to NCP president Sharad Pawar, who also shared the dais at the inauguration of the Appasaheb Pawar Hall - named after Pawar's elder brother - Modi said though they may be political rivals, both had a vision to take Indian agriculture to "great heights".

"He is a very senior and experienced leader. Not a single month passes when we don't speak over the phone. I have a lot to learn from his wisdom. We may hail from different parties, but our national interests are common," Modi said, heaping praises on the senior Maharashtra leader.

Later, Modi halted for an exclusive private lunch at the Pawars' residence in Baramati, the family's political stronghold since over five decades in the prosperous western Maharashtra region.

Besides Modi, Governor C. V. Rao, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Minority Affairs Minister Eknath Khadse, NCP leader Praful Patel, Pawar's daughter and MP Supriya Pawar, and his nephew and former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar were present at the luncheon.

However, both Modi and Pawar stressed that "no political meanings" must be read into their luncheon chat - barely months after Modi had ripped apart the NCP which he termed as "naturally corrupt party", and the NCP bosses hit back in different strokes.

Pawar reciprocated by stating that they (Modi and himself) were sharing the dais for development issues and no political motives should be attributed.

Later, Modi left for Mumbai where he was scheduled to attend a couple of major engagements.