Budget 2025: A Boost for Bihar’s Growth with Key Developments in Infrastructure and Agriculture

In the 2025 Union Budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the focus was on creating robust infrastructure and bolstering agriculture to pave the way for future growth in Bihar. With the state heading into elections later this year, the budget came as a strategic move to address both the current and future needs of Bihar's economy and infrastructure. The budget promises investments aimed at expanding key sectors such as transportation, food processing, and agriculture, which are expected to not only stimulate economic growth but also generate substantial employment opportunities, particularly for the youth.

Key Budget Announcements

1. Expansion of Patna Airport and New Greenfield Airports

One of the major highlights of the 2025 budget for Bihar was the announcement of a significant expansion plan for Patna's international airport, which will enhance the airport's capacity to cater to growing demand. In addition to the Patna airport, a Brownfield airport will be developed in the BTA (Bihar-Tajpur-Araria) region to boost connectivity.

The budget also laid the groundwork for the establishment of several Greenfield airports in Bihar, aiming to meet the state's future aviation needs. The focus on modernizing and expanding airport infrastructure is expected to improve connectivity, which in turn would attract investments and boost tourism, making Bihar a key transportation hub in the eastern region of India.

2. Makana (Fox Nut) Board for Agricultural Growth

Bihar is the country's largest producer of makhana (fox nuts), contributing nearly 80% of India's total production. In a strategic move, the government has proposed the creation of a dedicated Makana Board. This board will focus on enhancing the production, processing, and value addition of makhana, which is a highly nutritious and marketable product. The establishment of the board will streamline operations and ensure that farmers are organized into Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), providing them with the necessary training and support.

Moreover, the board will ensure that makhana farmers in Bihar receive the benefits of various government schemes, promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This initiative aims to create a robust supply chain that connects producers with national and international markets, thus improving the livelihoods of farmers.

3. National Institute of Food Technology in Bihar

In line with the government’s commitment to fostering regional development, a National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management (NIFTEM) will be set up in Bihar. This institute will act as a catalyst for the growth of the food processing industry in the state and across the entire eastern region of India. The primary objective of NIFTEM is to provide hands-on training, promote entrepreneurship, and support the food processing sector, which can offer substantial employment opportunities, especially to the youth.

The establishment of this institute underscores the government’s vision of making Bihar a key player in the food processing sector, with a strong focus on value addition and export potential.

4. Infrastructure Development at IITs

Another significant investment highlighted in the budget is the expansion of infrastructure at five Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), including IIT Patna. Additional infrastructure will be created to accommodate 6,500 more students, thus making higher education more accessible to a larger number of students. This expansion will also include the development of additional hostels and academic facilities.

IIT Patna, in particular, will witness a major increase in its infrastructure, which is expected to provide the necessary academic and residential facilities to accommodate the growing demand for higher technical education. This expansion will help bridge the educational gap and contribute to developing a skilled workforce in the state.

5. Support for Farmers in the Mithila Region

The budget has also allocated funds for farmers in the Mithila region of Bihar, with a focus on financial assistance for the Western COI Canal ERM project. This project will benefit farmers cultivating over 50,000 hectares of land in the region, providing them with enhanced irrigation facilities and improving their agricultural productivity. The support extended to farmers in the region is part of a broader effort to strengthen the agricultural infrastructure and provide relief to those affected by climate change and other environmental factors.

6. Prime Minister’s Support for the Budget

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the 2025 Union Budget as one that prioritizes the welfare of farmers, recognizing the importance of agriculture in Bihar's economy. His endorsement of the budget comes at a time when the state is focusing on long-term agricultural reforms and infrastructural improvements that will aid in the overall economic development of the state.

7. Opposition Criticism

While the Union Budget was met with praise from the ruling party, the opposition in Bihar, particularly the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), has been critical of the proposed measures. The opposition party, led by key leaders such as P. Mishra, voiced concerns about the effectiveness of the budget's allocations, arguing that some announcements were mere promises without concrete plans for execution. The criticism reflects the ongoing political debate over the state’s development priorities, with opposition leaders questioning the allocation of resources and the timing of such announcements ahead of the elections.

Conclusion

The Union Budget 2025 represents a bold move towards addressing Bihar's growing infrastructure and agricultural needs. With a clear focus on the expansion of critical sectors like transportation, education, and agriculture, the budget aims to create a sustainable framework for the state’s growth. While the opposition remains skeptical, the government's efforts to boost Bihar’s economic profile and ensure that its resources, especially makhana and agriculture, are leveraged for long-term development, are commendable.

As Bihar heads into its elections, these budget announcements set the stage for a promising future, particularly in terms of infrastructure and agricultural growth. The government’s focus on creating opportunities for youth through educational institutes and food processing initiatives will likely have far-reaching impacts on employment, making the budget an important milestone in Bihar's development trajectory.