New Delhi: The Union Budget for 2025 presents itself as a distinctly Bihar-friendly one, with a host of announcements that seem tailored to secure political goodwill ahead of upcoming elections in the state. While Bihar’s infrastructural and agricultural sectors have certainly received substantial attention, one can’t ignore the focus on the region in a national budget.

Despite being one of India’s most populous states, Bihar has faced significant challenges in attracting industrial investment, primarily due to inadequate infrastructure, limited power supply, and a lack of skilled workforce. According to the 2021 State-wise Industrial Performance Report, Bihar contributes just 1.5 per cent to India’s industrial output, which is a stark contrast to its population size and indicates the underdevelopment of its industrial base. The state’s industrial sector contributes approximately 16 per cent to its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), notably lower than the national average of 26 per cent. Additionally, Bihar’s per capita income stands at Rs 28,127 for the fiscal year 2020-21, the lowest among Indian states, highlighting the underutilisation of its economic potential.

Perhaps the most eye-catching initiative is the creation of a Makhana Board in Bihar. The Finance Minister’s announcement of this board aims to boost the production and processing of makhana, or foxnuts, a crop native to Bihar. Makhana is widely regarded as a superfood with significant export potential, known........

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