Improving policy coherence in food, land, and water systems to advance sustainable development in India: a case study of Rajasthan

The interconnections between food, land, and water (FLW) systems are intricate, and actions in one system can impact the other. The global need to ensure the sustainability of these systems has become markedly more urgent, necessitating further efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to sustainable agriculture, water management, land use, and climate action. India has made significant headway in achieving these SDGs while balancing its rapid economic development (Government of India 2024). This is evidenced by the country's substantial increase in agricultural productivity alongside environmental conservation efforts, as shown by the rise in Gross Value Added in agriculture per worker from 61,427 in 2015-16 to 87,609 in 2023-24, while simultaneously expanding protected areas from 5.14% in 2015 to 5.43% in 2023. The commitment to sustainable development is further demonstrated by the increased adoption of organic farming from 0.97% in 2015-16 to 4.43% in 2022-23, improved integrated water resources management (from a score of 45 in 2020 to 75 in 2023), while maintaining economic growth as reflected in the growing share of India's exports in global trade (Government of India 2024). Nevertheless, the complex and dynamic nature of these interconnections demands coherent policy efforts (CEEW and IWMI 2023). Policy coherence is also vital for advancing national objectives and unlocking the country’s potential. It enhances coordination among institutions, leverages synergies between policies, and addresses trade-offs. Policy coherence can also enable resource alignment while fostering flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances. Additionally, it promotes the inclusion of vulnerable groups to further social inclusion and economic empowerment (CEEW and IWMI 2023). This case study is the third in a series of studies on policy coherence in India’s FLW systems at the national and sub-national levels. To improve policy integration and effectiveness, the national-level study by CEEW and IWMI (2023) systematically identified policies relevant to the interconnections between FLW systems. The study also presented best practices and key lessons on policy coherence. The national-level study also used state-specific examples to explore the interconnections between the selected policies. Subsequently, a state-level deep dive of Odisha by CEEW and IWMI (2024) was undertaken to identify and highlight state-specific best practices and key lessons. It also aimed to fill a critical knowledge gap by systematically evaluating how state-specific policies align with each other as well as with national and international objectives related to the broader FLW nexus. This report examines Rajasthan’s policy landscape with regards the FLW sectors as part of our second state-level study. Rajasthan, India’s largest state, faces significant challenges due to its arid climate, limited rainfall, and the growing pressures on FLW resources. Effective governance and policy coherence are crucial to managing these interlinked systems. Rajasthan is keenly interested in aligning various policies to advance sustainable development. By highlighting successful initiatives and identifying areas for improvement, this study offers actionable recommendations for better policy integration.