Report
Improving Policy Coherence in Food, Land, and Water Systems to Advance
Sustainable Development in India: A Case Study of Rajasthan
Suparana Katyaini, Kangkanika Neog, Tejaswi Joshi, Gursimer Gulati, Don Mani Paul, Upasana Negi, Arpit Srivastav, Nitin Bassi, Archisman Mitra, Garima Taneja, Suchiradipta Bhattacharjee, Alok Sikka, Juan Carlos Sanchez Ramirez, Alan Nicol
December 2024 | Sustainable Water
Suggested citation: Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW); International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 2024. Improving policy coherence in food, land, and water systems to advance sustainable development in India: a case study of Rajasthan. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). CGIAR Initiative on National Policies and Strategies.
Overview
Rajasthan, India's largest state, faces unique challenges at the interconnections of food, land, and water (FLW) systems due to its arid climate and limited rainfall. Recognising the urgent need for sustainable development, this report examines policy coherence in Rajasthan's FLW systems. Working with the guidance of the Department of Agriculture, Government of Rajasthan, the policy- oriented research was undertaken to identify best practices and opportunities to further strengthen policy coherence through actionable recommendations.
This study analyses ten key policies in Rajasthan, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and the Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan(MJSA), using an innovative multidimensional framework that considers institutional coordination, social inclusion, and adaptability to provide actionable recommendations for enhancing policy coherence across food, land, and water systems. This study provides actionable recommendations for improving institutional coordination, promoting social inclusion, and enhancing the adaptability of food, land, and water policies in Rajasthan.
Key Highlights
- Comprehensive state-level FLW policy landscape mapping for strategic integration: An initial assessment of 74 policies and two projects across 27 state departments in Rajasthan led to the identification of ten key policy interventions crucial for sustainable development. This analysis highlights the state's complex policy landscape and the need for strategic integration to effectively manage scarce natural resources.
- Integrative approach to water conservation to tackle multifaceted water scarcity: Rajasthan's policies demonstrate a cohesive and integrated approach to water conservation. From village-level initiatives under the MJSA to the comprehensive groundwater management of the Atal Bhujal Yojana and the extensive canal network of the Indira Gandhi Nahar Pariyojana (IGNP), the state is tackling water scarcity on multiple fronts.
- Strengthening Institutional Coordination through strengthening local governance and cross-departmental learning: This study reveals innovative institutional frameworks in Rajasthan's policy landscape. For instance, the IGNP’s Jal Paramarsh Datri Samiti integrates multiple departments for effective water management, while Rajasthan Water Sector Livelihood Improvement Project's (RWSLIP) three-tier technical support structure ensures coordinated extension services. However, the analysis suggests that further strengthening local governance and promoting cross-departmental learning are essential for maximising policy coherence and achieving sustainable development goals.
- Integration of climate change considerations in FLW policies for climate-resilient agriculture: Rajasthan's FLW policies demonstrate a strong commitment to climate-resilient agriculture. Initiatives like Mission on Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and RKVY-Per Drop More Crop promote micro-irrigation, while National Food Security Mission focuses on drought-resistant crops, showcasing a coordinated approach to climate resilient agriculture. These synergies between policies need to be leveraged for collective policy response to address the complex challenges posed by climate change.
- Continued efforts towards social inclusion building on major strides towards gender mainstreaming and inclusion of tribal communities: While Rajasthan has made strides in gender mainstreaming and social inclusion, with notable examples like RWSLIP's gender advisory groups and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana's support for tribal communities, the study emphasises the need for continued efforts to ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities for all, particularly vulnerable and underrepresented groups.
- Fostering long-term adaptability: Rajasthan's policies demonstrate adaptive implementation through flexible frameworks like MIDH's state-specific guidelines and IGNP's adaptable water distribution system. Regular reviews and real-time monitoring further enhance responsiveness to local needs and changing conditions. However, continuous policy revisions, strengthened information management, and capacity building remain crucial for long-term adaptability.
- Enhancing technology driven convergence for sustainability of livelihoods dependent on FLW systems: There is a need to enhance converge policy efforts on value chain development and market access, integrate FLW and energy systems, and promote technology-driven solutions for poverty reduction, creation of jobs and sustainability of livelihoods dependent on FLW systems.
This report offers practical solutions for enhancing policy coherence across food, land, and water systems in Rajasthan, providing valuable lessons for regions grappling with sustainable development in arid environments.
“ Rajasthan's experience offers valuable lessons for other states and regions facing similar challenges in managing interconnected resources. This research highlights the importance of cross- departmental learning, local governance, and continuous policy adaptation for achieving sustainable development goals on food security, water management, and climate resilience.”