Makhana (Fox Nuts)
New Delhi: Bihar, primarily an agricultural state, stands to benefit from the Union Budget 2025-26 in this election year, as the budget highlights agriculture as the “first engine” driving India’s development. Additionally, Bihar’s advantages stem from being part of a “double engine government,” where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) serves as the junior partner to the Janata Dal-United within the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the state.
The Central government, led by Narendra Modi, is also aware of the Telugu Desam Party’s previous withdrawal in 2018 due to a lack of special provisions for Andhra Pradesh in that year’s Union Budget.
This year’s Union Budget features substantial benefits for both Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, generating considerable public interest, especially with Bihar’s assembly elections on the horizon. The significant financial commitments have sparked discussions and reactions on social media, with the Opposition labelling it an attempt to “bribe” the coalition and marginalize other regions.
Nevertheless, the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 demonstrates a focused strategy to address Bihar’s developmental hurdles, particularly through targeted investments in agriculture, education, and infrastructure.
Among the key initiatives is the establishment of a Makhana Board in Bihar, which Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated will enhance the production, processing, value addition, and marketing of makhana (fox nuts). This initiative aims to organize individuals involved in these activities into Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). Sitharaman also mentioned that the Board will offer training and support to makhana farmers, ensuring they benefit from all relevant government schemes.
In addition to the Makhana Board, the Union Budget has allocated funds for the establishment of a National Institute of Food Technology, Processing, and Innovation in the state. Finance Minister Sitharaman emphasized that this initiative will not only “boost farmers’ income, enhance product value, and create skill and job opportunities for the youth,” but will also catalyze the entire eastern region of India.
Furthermore, the Budget includes financial backing for the Western Kosi canal project in Mithilanchal, which is expected to benefit numerous farmers in Bihar.
The Budget also outlines plans for increased infrastructural support to bolster the capabilities of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Patna, along with substantial investments aimed at improving Bihar’s aviation infrastructure.
A new airport is set to be constructed in Bihta, close to Patna, with a budget allocation of ₹1,413 crore. This initiative aims to reduce congestion at the current Patna airport and enhance regional connectivity, including the expansion of Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport in Patna.
It’s worth noting that the Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport in Patna is currently undergoing a major expansion to accommodate the growing number of passengers. The master plan, estimated at ₹1,216.90 crore, includes the construction of a new terminal building, a multi-level car parking facility, and additional parking bays. The new terminal, covering 65,155 square meters, is designed to handle 3,000 passengers during peak hours, significantly increasing the airport’s annual capacity from 3 million to 10 million.
The new terminal building is on the verge of completion, with plans for it to be ready by January 2025. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has directed all participating agencies to accelerate their efforts to ensure the project meets this timeline.
Sitharaman also promised the development of new greenfield airports in her Budget address. The Bihar government has proposed the creation of three such airports in the state. Additionally, the Patna High Court has instructed both the Central and State governments, along with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), to explore the possibility of developing a greenfield airport in Bihar as an alternative to the existing Patna and Bihta airports.
