Purandar Figs at Risk? Experts Raise Concerns as New Pune International Airport Project Expands

Purandar, 23rd September 2025: The proposed airport in Purandar has sparked concern among agricultural experts and farmers over the fate of the region’s famed figs and custard apples.

Ganesh Hingmire, an intellectual property rights specialist who applied for a GI (Geographical Indication) tag for Purandar figs in 2016, warned that the project could threaten the survival of these fruits.

Hingmire, who has filed more than 100 GI applications since 2007, clarified, “I am not against development or the airport. But the scale of this project, which will be the largest airport in Maharashtra, could destroy the GI-tagged figs and custard apples, and negatively impact the industries that have grown around these fruits.”

Some officials and residents, however, have downplayed these fears, noting that most villages affected by the land acquisition are not major fig producers.

Land Acquisition Details
According to district collector Jitendra Dudi, nearly 2,800 farmers from Vanpuri, Udachiwadi, Kumbharvalan, Ekhatpur, Pargaon, Munjwadi, and Khanwadi have submitted consent letters for around 2,700 acres. The total land required for the airport is 3,000 acres.

Hingmire emphasized the importance of GI tags, explaining, “A GI mark identifies products based on their unique qualities and connection to a specific region. It helps farmers earn premium prices and develop export markets, benefiting both the producers and associated industries.”

Farmers See Potential Benefits
Rohan Ursal, founder-director of Purandar Highlands Farmers Producer Company Ltd., noted that villagers had initially raised concerns about the destruction of fig and custard apple farms. “After discussions with government officials, the acquisition was reduced to 3,000 acres,” he said.

Ursal added, “The aerocity planned in the area will include an FPC (Farmers Producer Company) where small and marginal farmers can find employment and a steady income. The airport’s cargo facilities will also be beneficial, as currently, we transport fruits and juice to Mumbai airport, which takes 7–8 hours. This will save both time and money.”

He highlighted the economic potential of Purandar’s produce: “GI-tagged fig juice is exported to London and New Jersey, while fresh fruits are sent to South Asia and the Middle East.”

Local Farmers Weigh In
A farmer from Munjwadi, who owns custard apple trees, has consented to the land acquisition. He remarked, “Among the villages to be acquired, Vanpuri and Pargaon are the only ones with significant fig production.”

A senior government official explained that the airport plan was scaled down from 7,000 acres to 3,000 acres to protect irrigated farmland. “This is why we have secured consent from over 90% of the farmers for the project,” the official added.