India, May 20 -- Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Monday expressed support for the proposed Purandar international airport but acknowledged the concerns of farmers unwilling to part with their land. He said he would attempt to find a solution by calling a meeting with local representatives, Baramati MP Supriya Sule, and the Chief Minister.

Pawar said that the land in question had become fertile thanks to a lift irrigation scheme initiated during his term as chief minister. "The land is now suitable for horticulture and sugarcane. Farmers naturally don't want to give it up. I hope a consensus can be reached while preserving the interests of this irrigated region," he said.

On Sunday, villagers opposing the project me...