When land pooling for the Amaravati capital project began in 2015, the Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu appealed to farmers to contribute around 35,000 acres of land.
At that time, there were no Singapore master plans, no Norman Foster designs, no universities, and no large roads or major structures to showcase the proposed capital city.
Despite the lack of visible infrastructure or finalized plans, thousands of farmers came forward to participate in the land pooling scheme.
Many farmers said they trusted the leadership’s promise that the project would help build the state’s future.
The scale of participation was notable. During the first two months of Phase 1 land pooling, nearly 90 percent of farmers voluntarily agreed to contribute their land, while only about 10 percent initially hesitated.
However, the situation appears to have changed in the second phase of the project.
Phase 2 land pooling for Amaravati, which began in January 2026, under the aegis of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, has so far seen limited participation.
Reports indicate that only about 10 percent of farmers have come forward to offer their land, while around 90 percent have not yet agreed to join the scheme.
Observers say the contrast between the two phases highlights shifting levels of confidence among farmers regarding the project and its implementation.
It's a changing trust on Chandrababu's leadership, the observers say.
