Big Push For Bihar In Union Budget 2025: Makhana Board, IIT Patna And Airport Expansion Announced

On expected lines, the Union Budget for 2025-26 came with a big bonanza for Bihar. It is the second budget in a row where Bihar has prominently featured.

The state will get a Makhana Board – the first of its kind. It will improve production, processing, value addition, and marketing of makhana. This board will coordinate with stakeholders – which include farmers, government departments, and financial institutions – to ensure that farmers benefit from it.

With 10,000 tonnes, Bihar’s share in makhana production of the country is more than 90 per cent. As health concerns rise, makhana is gaining traction as a superfood. Currently, more than 90 per cent of global makhana exports come from India.

In Bihar, makhana is largely produced in the Kosi-Seemanchal districts of Saharsa, Katihar, Purnia, Supaul, Kishanganj, and Araria.

To enhance the productivity of more than 50,000 hectares of land in the Kosi-Seemanchal and Mithilanchal regions, financial support will be provided to the Western Kosi Canal ERM Project.

Another institution called the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management will also be established in Bihar.

“The institute will provide a strong fillip to food processing activities in the entire Eastern region. This will result in, one, enhanced income for the farmers through value addition to their produce, and, two, skilling, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities for the youth,” she added.

In terms of infrastructure, Bihar will benefit from the announcement of the expansion of Patna airport and a brownfield airport at Bihta. The government will also facilitate the establishment of greenfield airports in the state.

Bihar grabbed the central position in Sitharaman’s speech. Even when she made a general announcement for increase in hostel and other infrastructure facilities in different IITs, Sitharaman singled out IIT Patna as an example.