A cohesive policy framework is essential to align national priorities, regional adaptations and technological innovations in the transition towards sustainable agriculture and water systems. Drawing on lessons from China and the UAE, such frameworks can balance centralized vision with localized flexibility while targeting high-impact technologies. Build a holistic policy frameworkEnabling action #1 China: Integration of national strategy and local agility China has driven measurable progress in green food and water transformation through a structured approach combining national strategy, regulations and targeted innovation. By embedding long-term hydrological resilience into national strategies, the country has prioritized innovations such as seed breeding, precision agriculture, smart irrigation and blockchain traceability. While retaining separate ministries, China has bridged institutional divides through cross-agency task forces embedded in its Five-Year Plan to advance agricultural and rural modernization (2021–2025). The plan aims to build and upgrade 70 million hectares of high-standard farmland with efficient water-saving systems by 2025.40 Local governments tailor implementation, for example green farming in grain regions and smart agriculture in economic crop zones. Meanwhile, national strategic investments focus on: –Tech breakthroughs – more than 95% of crop varieties are independently cultivated,41 while the self-sufficiency ratio of key livestock and poultry breeds exceeds 75%.42 –Digital transformation – 2.2 million agricultural machines nationwide have been equipped with Beidou satellite terminals for precision farming.43 –Value-chain cultivation – $2.76 trillion of value has been added to agriculture and related industries in 2023, through building logistics networks, promoting refining and processing, and ecosystem integration.44 UAE: Unified vision for cross-sector innovation In one of the world’s most water-stressed regions, UAE has adopted a policy approach that integrates immediate needs with forward-looking strategies, leveraging technologies such as advanced desalination and AI-driven irrigation. For example, UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment consolidates food, water and environmental mandates under a single ministry, enabling cohesive strategies, including its National Food Security Strategy 2051, which prioritize solar-powered desalination and drought-resistant crops.This integrated governance model eliminates bureaucratic fragmentation, accelerates decision- making and aligns funding for technologies. Local authorities adapt strategies to arid conditions. For example, Dubai’s initiatives on agricultural sustainability promote hydroponics and desert agriculture, while Abu Dhabi focuses on water- efficient aquaculture, enforced by agencies such as the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority. Strategic support includes financial incentives (e.g. R&D grants, long-term land leases in free trade zones) and streamlined approvals for agri-tech projects, accelerating innovations such as smart irrigation and sustainable supply chains. UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment consolidates food, water and environmental mandates under a single ministry, enabling cohesive strategies. From Scarcity to Solutions: Food-Water Innovation in Asia and the Middle East 34

From Scarcity to Solutions 2025