Poll Vault: 'Special' budget boost to Bihar, Nitish govt

The Union budget 2025 has left the NDA leaders in poll-bound Bihar upbeat as Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced state-centric projects.

- Vijay Swaroop

PATNA:

A highlight of Sitharaman's budget speech was the mention of Bihar, where polls are due later this year and the JD(U)-BJP led government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, is keen to retain power. The JD(U) is also a key constituent of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre, where the Bharatiya Janata Party does not enjoy a clear majority on its own.

Makhana Board The FM announced to set up Makhana Board in Bihar which would be established in the state to improve production, processing, value addition, and marketing of makhana. The FM announced that the people engaged in these activities would be organized into FPOs.

Bihar produces around 80-90% of overall makhana yield in India.

The Board would provide handholding and training support to makhana farmers and will also work to ensure they receive the benefits of all relevant Government schemes.

According to latest data of makhana cultivation in 10 districts of north Bihar, as released by the horticulture directorate of state agriculture department, total cultivation area in Darbhanga, Madhubani, Saharsa, Purnia, Katihar, Araria, Supaul, Sitamarhi, Madhepura and Kishanganj has grown to 27,887 hectares and total makhana production had risen to 23046 tons in financial year 2019-20.