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The Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, included several significant allocations for the state of Bihar, a region politically significant due to upcoming state elections in November of the same year. The current ruling coalition, comprised of the Janata Dal (United) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), holds a precarious majority in the 243-seat Bihar Legislative Assembly, facing a strong opposition from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). This context lends considerable political weight to the budgetary announcements, which can be interpreted as attempts to garner support and address pressing issues in the state.
One of the key announcements is the establishment of a new Makhana Board. Makhana, also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, is a significant agricultural product in Bihar. The Board's mandate is to comprehensively improve the entire value chain, from production and processing to value addition and marketing. This is to be achieved through the organization of makhana farmers into Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). FPOs offer farmers the benefits of economies of scale and collective bargaining power, thereby improving their market access and income potential. The government's commitment to handholding and training further underscores its dedication to empowering these farmers and ensuring that they fully benefit from government support schemes.
Furthermore, the budget allocation for a new National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management in Bihar represents a substantial investment in food processing infrastructure and skills development within the Eastern region of India. This initiative is designed to significantly boost food processing activities, leading to increased income for farmers and creating entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for Bihar's youth. The establishment of such an institute indicates a broader strategic focus on enhancing the agricultural sector's contribution to the state's economy and overall development.
In the realm of infrastructure development, the budget promises significant investments in airport infrastructure. Bihar is set to see the development of new greenfield airports, alongside the expansion of existing capacity at Patna airport and further development at the brownfield airport in Bihta. This reflects a commitment to improving connectivity and bolstering the state's transportation infrastructure, factors crucial for economic growth and regional integration. The simultaneous development of both greenfield and brownfield airports suggests a strategy to cater to both short-term needs and long-term expansion.
Finally, the budget extends financial support for the Western Koshi Canal Project, a major irrigation project in the Kosi river basin of Bihar's Mithilanchal region. This project is expected to significantly benefit a large number of farmers cultivating over 50,000 hectares of land. The allocation for the Western Koshi Canal project highlights the government's intention to improve irrigation infrastructure and enhance agricultural productivity in a region heavily dependent on agriculture. The project holds the potential to transform agricultural practices and increase crop yields, leading to improved livelihoods and economic prosperity for farmers in the Mithilanchal region.
In conclusion, the budget allocations for Bihar are multifaceted, targeting key sectors such as agriculture, food processing, and infrastructure. The announcements are not just about economic development but also carry significant political implications in the context of the upcoming state elections. The government’s focus on empowering farmers, promoting entrepreneurship, and improving infrastructure through projects such as the Makhana Board, the National Institute of Food Technology, the Greenfield airports, and the Western Koshi Canal Project, demonstrate an attempt to address crucial development challenges while simultaneously garnering political capital. The success of these initiatives will significantly influence the political landscape of Bihar in the coming months and years. The long-term impact and effectiveness of these initiatives will depend on their effective implementation and the ongoing engagement with local communities.
Source: Focus on Bihar: Here are the schemes announced for the state in the Budget