Union Budget 2025: Bihar gets Makhana board, airports, food institute, airports and canal project

Bihar schemes and projects announced in Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget speech, focusing on agriculture, infrastructure, and development.

Bihar featured prominently in Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget speech on Saturday (February 1, 2025) as she announced a slew of schemes for the state. A new Makhana Board, National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management were announced. Apart from these, greenfield airports will be added in addition to expansion of Patna airport and the West Kosi canal project in Mithilanchal were also announced.  

Schemes for Bihar 

“The people involved in this will be categorised as Follow-On Public Offer (FPOs) and the Board will provide hand-holding and training support to Makhana farmers. The Board will ensure that they (farmers) receive all benefits of government schemes,” she said.

She later also mentioned that a National Institute of Food Technology, Processing and Innovation would be set up in Bihar. Stating that it will provide a fillip for entire eastern India, she added, “It will enhance farmers’ income, add value to produce, skilling and employment opportunities for youth.” 

Projects in Bihar 

“Greenfield airports will be facilitated in Bihar to meet the future needs of the State. These will be in addition to expansion of Patna airport. Western Kosi canal project in Mithilanchal will be given financial support that will benefit a large number of farmers in Bihar,” she added.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her eight consecutive budget speech this year. She highlighted that this budget would be aimed to accelerate growth, secure inclusive development, invigorate private investment, uplift household sentiments and enhance power of India’s rising middle class. The main areas of focus among citizens for this budget are the poor, youth, farmers and women. As she began her speech, the Opposition rose in uproar over President Droupadi Murmu’s address on Friday. They also walked out, but returned to the House shortly.