Union Budget 2025: Poll-bound Bihar gets Makhana board, support for greenfield airports

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced the government will establish a Makhana Board in Bihar to improve production and processing of fox nut. Bihar will go to polls later this year. “The people engaged in these activities will be organised into FPOs. The board will provide handholding and training support to makhana farmers and will also work to ensure they receive the benefits of all relevant government schemes,” she said during her Budget speech.

Financial support will also be provided for western Kosi Canal, benefiting 50,000 hectare in Mithilanchal region in Bihar, the FM said.

The state ruled by NDA constituent Janata Dal United (JD(U)) will also be facilitated in establishing greenfield airports to meet future needs of the state. The FM was incidentally wearing a sari with Madhubani art from the eastern state, which was reportedly gifted to her by Padma Shree awardee Dulari Devi.