Ahead of the second phase of land pooling for the Amaravati capital region, farmers from several villages have begun articulating two major sets of demands; enhanced annual lease amounts and clearer guarantees on social infrastructure including education and healthcare.

Although farmers had earlier agreed to certain terms during village meetings presided over by Pedakurapadu MLA Bhashyam Praveen, several groups are now expressing reservations.

They argue that the lease amounts must be higher than what was offered during the first phase of land pooling.

Under the original arrangement, farmers were paid an annual lease of Rs 30,000 per acre for dry lands and Rs 50,000 per acre for fertile (wet) lands, with incremental increases each year.

Farmers now want the same rates currently applica

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