Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces key initiatives for Bihar, including a Makhana Board, greenfield airports, and infrastructure expansion.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025-26 on Saturday, making several significant announcements for Bihar. Dressed in a saree adorned with Madhubani paintings, Sitharaman’s arrival at the Lok Sabha raised expectations, which were met with major allocations for the state.
One of the key highlights was the establishment of a Makhana Board in Bihar to boost production, processing, and marketing. The move is expected to benefit over 25,000 farmers involved in Makhana cultivation across approximately 35,000 hectares in the state. Additionally, the finance minister allocated funds for the expansion of Patna IIT and the development of Patna Airport. New greenfield airports will also be constructed to enhance connectivity under the UDAN scheme.
To support agriculture, Sitharaman announced financial assistance for the Western Kosi Canal ERM project, which will benefit farmers across 50,000 hectares in Mithilanchal, a region frequently impacted by floods.
The budget announcements are poised to strengthen Bihar’s infrastructure, agriculture, and economic prospects. With expanded air connectivity and dedicated support for Makhana farming, the initiatives are expected to have a lasting impact on the state’s development.