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In the face of mounting global challenges, including climate change, food security, and sustainable development, the importance of advancing agricultural research cannot be overstated. As the world's population continues to grow, the need for innovative, effective, and sustainable agricultural practices which can only be generated through intensive research has become increasingly urgent. This book entitled ‘Promoting Excellence in Agricultural Sciences: Journal Impact, Leadership, and Challenges’ is written with a focus to provide very comprehensive overview of the current state of agricultural research. With an emphasis on journal ratings and impacts, leadership, and global challenges, this volume provides a nuanced understanding of the complex issues facing agricultural research today. We took up this task based on our experience in managing a research journal together for some time during recent times. Journal ratings and its impact in particular, play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of agricultural research. The reputation and impact factor of journals can influence the dissemination of research findings, the allocation of funding, and the career advancement of researchers. High-impact journals can amplify the reach and credibility of research, while lower-rated National journals may struggle to attract credible authors, readers and citations. However, the emphasis on journal ratings can also have unintended consequences. The pressure to publish in top-tier journals can lead to a focus on short-term, incremental research rather than long-term, transformative projects. Moreover, the dominance of Western-based journals can marginalize research from developing countries, perpetuating a knowledge gap that undermines global efforts to address agricultural challenges. Further, there are threats for growth of national journals due to increasing number of priced journals using the pretext of impact factors with business interests. Through a series of chapters, we have made an attempt to explore the complex interplay between journal ratings, research quality, and impact. We made a projection of the implications of journal ratings on the advancement of agricultural research, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges associated with the current publication landscape.

Agricultural sciences stand at the forefront of human progress, addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges - from ensuring global food security to mitigating the effects of climate change. This multidisciplinary field encompasses the study of crop production, animal husbandry, soil science, agrometeorology, biotechnology, and agricultural economics, all working collectively to improve farming systems and resource management. With the global population projected to surpass 9 billion by 2050, agricultural sciences hold the key to producing more food sustainably while minimizing the environmental footprint of agriculture. However, the effectiveness of agricultural sciences in meeting these challenges depends not only on the quality of research produced but also on the systems that govern how this research is evaluated, disseminated, and applied. One of the most significant drivers of academic and professional success in agricultural sciences is the journal rating system. These systems serve as benchmarks for evaluating the quality and impact of scholarly publications, influencing funding decisions, academic promotions, and research collaborations. A Research Evaluation System is a structured framework or methodology used to assess and measure the quality, impact, and relevance of research activities, outputs, and outcomes. These systems are crucial in academia, industry, and research institutions to ensure that resources are used effectively and that research aligns with organizational or societal goals. The evaluation of performance in scientific research at any level - whether at the individual, institutional, research council or country level – is not easy. Traditionally, research evaluation at the individual and institutional levels has depended largely on peer opinion, but with the rapid growth of science over the last century and the availability of databases and scientometric techniques, quantitative indicators have gained importance. Yet, the methodologies underlying these rating systems are often opaque, biased, and narrowly focused on quantitative metrics such as citation counts and impact factors. Such limitations create barriers for researchers from underrepresented regions and disciplines, perpetuating global disparities in scientific research and its application. Both peer review and metrics are subject to flaws, more so in India because of the way they are used. Government agencies, funding bodies and academic and research institutions in India suffer from the impact factor and h-index syndrome. The uninformed use of indicators such as average and cumulative impact factors and the arbitrary criteria stipulated by some agencies

Journal ratings are instrumental in shaping the trajectory of scientific research, particularly in the field of agricultural sciences. They significantly influence the visibility, credibility, and funding of research endeavors, often acting as benchmarks for academic excellence and institutional prestige. However, the methodologies used to assign these ratings have been a subject of intense scrutiny due to their lack of transparency and inherent biases. This chapter explores the multifaceted role of journal ratings in agricultural sciences, shedding light on their impact on research priorities, academic careers, and international scientific collaborations. It also examines the limitations of current rating systems, including their excessive reliance on metrics like the impact factor and the geographical biases that disadvantage researchers from developing countries. 2.1. Importance of Journal Ratings in Agricultural Sciences Agricultural sciences encompass a broad range of disciplines, from crop genetics and soil science to agricultural economics and rural development. The field is pivotal for addressing global challenges such as food security, climate change, and sustainable development. Journal ratings serve as a critical tool for researchers, institutions, and funding agencies to evaluate the quality and relevance of scientific contributions. 2.1.1. Enhancing Research Visibility High-rated journals often serve as the primary platforms for disseminating groundbreaking research. Publishing in these journals ensures greater visibility among peers, policymakers, & practitioners. This visibility is crucial in agricultural sciences, where translating research findings into practice can have immediate and far-reaching impacts on food systems and livelihoods. For instance, research on drought-resistant crops published in a high-impact journal is more likely to influence agricultural policies and attract investment in technology transfer

Journal Citation Reports (JCR) and SCImago Journal Rank (SJR) are widely used metrics for evaluating journal impact. While JCR is based on Web of Science and emphasizes high-impact journals, SJR uses Scopus data, offering broader geographic and disciplinary coverage. This chapter evaluates their relative strengths and weaknesses, focusing on their applicability across disciplines and geographies. Multiple trends also impact research landscapes across the globe (Fig. 3.1). Comprehensive tables provide a comparative overview of which metric is more suitable for various disciplines and global regions. The assessment of academic journals plays a critical role in research evaluation, academic promotions, and funding decisions. Two prominent journal-ranking systems, JCR and SJR, serve as benchmarks for these purposes. JCR, managed by Clarivate Analytics, primarily focuses on citation frequency over a two-year window. Conversely, SJR, developed by SCImago using Scopus data, incorporates a prestige-weighted citation approach over a three-year period (Fig. 3.2). Several of our Indian Scientific Journals are not covered by JCR. As more than 80 per cent Journals are from Europe and North America. The CLARIVATE covers only few Indian Journals most of which are published by Central Government Agencies

Since its founding in the early 2000s, Scopus - which describes itself as a “source-neutral abstract and citation database curated by independent subjectmatter experts” — has been recognized as one of the top research indexes. At the time of writing this blog post, Scopus includes over 25,100 titles from 5,000 publishers, spanning 240 academic disciplines - with a staggering 76.8 million core records. Scopus encompasses research across scholarly disciplines but consists primarily of science and technology articles (Fig. 4.1). There are many benefits to having journals added to the Scopus database. In addition to its extensive content coverage encompassing virtually all subjects, Scopus is known for its high level of academic rigor, including an annual journal re-evaluation process, which it requires as “an incentive for journals to maintain their high content quality.” Scopus also provides a wide range of metrics for indexed content, including • Journal-level metrics such as Citescore, which both publishes an annual impact score and gives monthly updates on how things are currently shaping up for each of the indexed titles via the CiteScore Tracker • Article-level metrics such as PlumX, which analyzes how readers are responding to content in the broader online context (i.e., via tweets, blogs, Wikipedia references, etc.) • Author-level metrics such as the h-index, which aims to provide an objective measure of the overall impact of individual authors’ publication histories.

Increased importance of research publications, impact factor and citations as metrics in evaluating science and assessing the quality of research is driving unethical practices too in research and publications. Adding to that, limited access to research publications, exuberant subscription charges, heavy article processing charges and several other transboundary science and technology issues are further dividing the scientific community which is severely impacting the progress of the Nation (Pathak, 2025). The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) journal rating system serves as a cornerstone for researchers in India, particularly in the domain of agricultural sciences. Its significance lies in providing an accessible and systematic framework for evaluating the quality and relevance of academic journals. This chapter explores avenues for enhancing the NAAS journal rating methodologies to ensure greater accuracy, inclusivity, and ethical rigor in the assessment process. By integrating global best practices, incorporating diverse metrics, and addressing emerging challenges in the academic publishing landscape, the proposed framework aims to make NAAS ratings more robust and globally competitive. To enable universal access to scholarly scientific literature, under Aatmanirbhar Bharat it would be appropriate to strengthen our own Indian Journals to compete globally in the long run. In this regard, NAAS rating of Agri-journals has been a progressive step and NAAS should continue to upgrade its evaluation mechanism. The Professional Association of Agricultural Societies (PAAS) and NAAS partnership in upgrading of publications in Indian society journals should be encouraged.

In the world of academic publishing, Article Processing Charges (APCs) have emerged as a significant barrier, particularly for researchers from countries with limited resources like India. These charges, often levied by open-access journals to cover the costs of peer review, editing, and dissemination, have created a financial divide that impedes equitable access to scholarly communication. This chapter delves into the multifaceted challenges posed by APCs and outlines potential solutions to address the inequities they perpetuate (Fig. 6.1). 6.1. The Burden of Article Processing Charges The financial burden of APCs is disproportionately felt by researchers in developing nations. Many prestigious open-access journals charge APCs ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 or more per article. For researchers in high-income countries, these charges might be manageable, supported by robust institutional funding or grants. However, for their counterparts in countries like India, where research funding is limited and often tied to modest institutional budgets, such costs are prohibitive. The disparity in income and currency exchange rates further amplifies this challenge. A charge of $2,000, for instance, could equate to several months’ salary for a researcher in India, compared to a fraction of that amount for a researcher in the United States or Europe.

Scientific leadership is a cornerstone of progress in agricultural sciences, playing a pivotal role in driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and addressing global challenges such as food security, climate change, and sustainable resource management. Effective scientific leadership ensures that research efforts are strategically aligned with pressing societal needs and that knowledge generated in laboratories and fields translates into tangible benefits for farmers, policymakers, and communities. This chapter delves into the qualities of effective leaders in agricultural sciences, the challenges they face, and strategies to nurture and support scientific leadership in this critical domain. The G20 Chief Science Advisers Roundtable (G20-CSAR), initiated under India’s G20 Presidency, is a flagship program aimed at fostering collaboration and enhancing access to scholarly scientific knowledge. This effort emphasizes the synergy of scientific expertise, ensuring that innovations and advancements are not only accessible but also utilized effectively to address pressing global concerns, such as climate change, public health, sustainable development, and digital transformation. Through this platform, India seeks to promote open science, equitable knowledge-sharing, and stronger international cooperation in research and development. 7.1. Qualities of Effective Leaders in Agricultural Sciences To excel in agricultural sciences, leaders must embody a diverse range of qualities that enable them to inspire teams, foster innovation, and drive impactful research. These qualities include: 7.1.1. Strong Communication Skills Effective leaders in agricultural sciences must be adept at communicating complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences. Whether engaging with fellow researchers, policymakers, farmers, or the general public, they must tailor their messages to ensure clarity and relevance. Strong communication skills are also essential for securing research funding, building partnerships, and advocating for science-based policies.

In the evolving landscape of agricultural sciences, integrative research models have emerged as a cornerstone for addressing complex, multifaceted challenges. These models bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and their practical applications, ensuring that innovations are not just conceptual but also actionable and impactful. This chapter delves into the essence of integrative research models, highlighting their significance, successful case studies, and strategies to foster their adoption and effectiveness in agricultural progress. 8.1. The Need for Integrative Research Models Agriculture today is at the nexus of critical global challenges, including climate change, food security, biodiversity loss, and resource scarcity. Traditional, siloed research approaches often fall short in addressing these interconnected issues. Integrative research models offer a paradigm shift by combining insights from diverse disciplines such as agronomy, ecology, economics, data science, and social sciences. This approach not only enhances the depth of understanding but also ensures that solutions are holistic and sustainable (Fig. 8.1). One of the primary drivers for adopting integrative research models is the increasing complexity of agricultural systems. Modern agriculture is no longer

Global agricultural research, an essential field in ensuring food security and sustainable development, is heavily influenced by the academic and publishing ecosystems in Europe and North America. This chapter examines the challenges faced by researchers from developing regions, focusing on limited representation in editorial boards, barriers to accessing high-impact journals, and the overarching dominance of Western institutions (Fig. 9.1). These issues underscore the need for greater inclusivity and recognition of regional expertise to foster a more equitable global research landscape. 9.1. Dominance of Europe and North America in Agricultural Research Publishing The dominance of Europe and North America in agricultural research publishing is evident from the distribution of international journals in agriculture and allied disciplines. Approximately 75% of these journals originate from these regions. Breaking this down further: • Europe accounts for 43.6% of international journals, with leading contributors including the United Kingdom (14.1%), the Netherlands (8.5%), Germany (6.2%), France (4.3%), Italy (3.5%), and other European countries (7.0%). • North America contributes 31.4%, with the United States alone publishing 28.5% and Canada accounting for 2.9%.

The credibility of academic publishing hinges significantly on the integrity of journal rating systems. These systems, designed to evaluate and rank academic journals based on various metrics, play a pivotal role in shaping research priorities, funding allocations, and academic career trajectories. However, despite their importance, many journal rating systems are criticized for lacking transparency and ethical rigor (Fig. 10.1). This chapter explores these shortcomings, focusing on potential biases embedded in current systems and proposing solutions to enhance their transparency and fairness. 10.1. Role of Journal Rating Systems in Academic Publishing Journal rating systems serve as gatekeepers in the academic publishing ecosystem. They influence where researchers choose to publish their work, how institutions evaluate scholarly output, and how funding agencies allocate resources. Metrics such as impact factor, h-index, and SCImago Journal Rank (SJR) are commonly used to rank journals. These metrics, while useful, often reduce the multifaceted nature of scholarly impact into single numerical values, potentially oversimplifying and distorting the evaluation process. The reliance on these metrics creates a feedback loop wherein highly ranked journals attract more submissions, increasing their citation counts and reinforcing their dominance. This system can marginalize smaller or niche journals that publish

Predatory journals undermine the integrity of academic publishing by charging exorbitant fees without providing rigorous peer review. These deceptive entities exploit the academic community, especially targeting early-career researchers, those from underfunded institutions, and scholars in developing countries. By prioritizing profit over quality, predatory journals erode trust in the research ecosystem, dilute scientific knowledge, and tarnish the reputation of genuine academic endeavors (Fig. 11.1). This chapter delves into the multifaceted challenges posed by predatory journals and outlines comprehensive strategies for researchers, institutions, and policymakers to combat their pernicious effects. 11.1. Understanding Predatory Journals Predatory journals are characterized by their lack of transparency, absence of editorial rigor, and aggressive solicitation of authors. They often masquerade as legitimate open-access journals but fail to adhere to the ethical standards of scholarly publishing. Unlike reputable journals, which uphold rigorous peer-review processes to ensure the validity and originality of research, predatory journals accept articles with minimal or no scrutiny. This results in the dissemination of low-quality or even fraudulent research, undermining the credibility of academic literature. Several red flags can help researchers identify predatory journals. These include:

National journals play a crucial role in the dissemination of regionally relevant research, particularly in specialized fields such as agricultural sciences. These journals act as accessible platforms for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to share findings, innovations, and solutions tailored to local contexts. Strengthening national journals is essential for fostering knowledge exchange, promoting inclusivity in scientific communication, and addressing the unique challenges faced by different regions (Fig. 12.1). This chapter explores strategies for improving the quality, visibility, and credibility of national journals, with examples from countries across the globe, including those outside North America and Europe. Case studies of successful initiatives are included to illustrate best practices for empowering local publishing platforms, with a particular focus on non-English publications. 12.1. The Importance of National Journals in Agricultural Sciences Agricultural sciences are inherently context-dependent. Local factors such as climate, soil type, cropping systems, and socioeconomic conditions influence the challenges faced by farmers and the solutions that are most effective. National journals provide a vital medium for addressing these region-specific issues, enabling researchers to publish studies that may not align with the broader focus of international journals. Furthermore, these journals often cater to the immediate needs of local policymakers, extension workers, and educators, ensuring that research findings are translated into actionable outcomes.

The current systems of journal rating and evaluation have long been criticized for their emphasis on narrow metrics, such as the journal impact factor (JIF), which often fail to reflect the broader contributions of academic work. Despite their widespread use, these systems frequently reinforce inequities within academia, marginalize underrepresented voices, and fail to prioritize the societal impacts of research (Fig. 13.1). This chapter consolidates recommendations for reforming journal rating systems, emphasizing fairness, inclusivity, and societal impact. Drawing on existing literature and expert recommendations, we outline a comprehensive framework for designing a rating system that balances academic rigor with accessibility and relevance. 13.1. Revising Evaluation Metrics The reliance on metrics such as JIF has perpetuated a cycle of prioritizing high-citation fields and well resourced institutions. Garfield (2006), the founder of the JIF, himself noted that it was never intended to serve as the singular measure of research quality, yet its dominance in academia persists. Critics argue that the JIF favors fields with inherently higher citation rates, sidelining disciplines such as the humanities, social sciences, and regional studies (Moher et al., 2018). Moreover, the JIF incentivizes salacious or sensational findings that attract citations, often at the expense of methodological rigor (Brembs et al., 2013). To address these issues, scholars have proposed alternative evaluation metrics that prioritize broader dimensions of impact. For example, the Leiden Manifesto (Hicks et al., 2015) outlines ten principles for responsible research evaluation,

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 interconnected goals established by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These goals aim to address global challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice (Fig. 14.1). 14.1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) The SDGs provide a universal framework to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. Following is the list of the 17 SDGs 1. No Poverty: End poverty in all its forms everywhere. 2. Zero Hunger: End hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. 3. Good Health and Well-Being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

Policy plays a critical role in shaping the future of agricultural sciences. It determines the resources allocated to research, the inclusivity of publishing practices, and the extent of global collaboration (Fig. 15.1). This chapter outlines actionable policy recommendations to support equitable publishing, strengthen research infrastructure, and encourage global partnerships. Furthermore, it delves into the importance of fostering interdisciplinary research and emphasizes why agricultural sciences need to continue gaining momentum in the face of global challenges. 15.1. Equitable Publishing Practices Access to academic publishing remains a significant challenge for researchers in developing countries. High article processing charges (APCs) for open-access journals often exclude underfunded institutions and individual researchers. Policy interventions are essential to create a more equitable publishing ecosystem. 15.1.1. Subsidies for Open Access Publishing Governments and funding agencies should subsidize APCs for researchers from low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). For instance, the Plan S initiative-backed by organizations like the European Science Foundation—aims to make all publicly funded research open access (Plan S, 2018).

The final chapter of this exploration into agricultural sciences casts a forward-looking lens on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. As global population levels continue to rise, with estimates suggesting we will surpass 9 billion people by 2050, the demand for sustainable and efficient agricultural practices has never been more urgent. Emerging challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and water scarcity, coupled with rapid technological advancements, are reshaping the landscape of agricultural research and publishing (Fig. 16.1). This chapter delves into how the integration of advanced technologies, the promotion of open-access publishing, and global cooperation can revolutionize agricultural sciences. It also highlights the importance of equity, innovation, and adequate funding in driving this transformation. 16.1. Advanced Technologies and Their Transformative Potential In the past decade, advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and big data analytics have become central to scientific inquiry. These tools are now increasingly being applied to agricultural research, offering unprecedented opportunities for innovation. For example, AI-powered predictive models can help forecast crop yields, pest outbreaks, and weather

The advancement of agricultural sciences depends on systems that are fair, inclusive, and innovative. The rating of agricultural journals requires unique considerations due to the interdisciplinary and regionally diverse nature of agricultural research. By addressing structural inequities, prioritizing accessibility, and fostering leadership, the global agricultural research community can ensure its continued relevance in solving the most pressing challenges of our time (Fig. 17.1). This book has explored the multifaceted issues facing agricultural sciences, offering a comprehensive roadmap to create systems that uphold the highest standards of equity, innovation, and collaboration. 17.1. Reforming Journal Ratings A key pillar of advancing agricultural sciences lies in the reform of journal rating systems. Current systems often rely heavily on impact factors, a metric that, while useful, is not comprehensive. By moving toward a multidimensional evaluation framework, we can prioritize relevance, diversity of contributions, and societal impact alongside citation metrics. Reforms could include: • Incorporating qualitative assessments of journals, such as their contributions to underrepresented research areas or regions. • Promoting open-access journals that adhere to rigorous peer-review standards.

The One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) scheme is a cornerstone of India’s ambition to become a self reliant and developed nation by 2047 envisaged by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. The initiative is a significant step to enhance access to scientific and academic resources across the country. This initiative can positively impact Indian journal ratings and boost subscriptions by addressing several challenges listed below: • Increased Access to Global Resources • Enhanced Research Quality 118 | Promoting Excellence in Agricultural Sciences • Support for Smaller Institutions • Boost to Indian Journals • Fostering Interdisciplinary Collaboration By bridging gaps in resource accessibility and improving research output, ONOS can play a pivotal role in elevating the status of Indian journals on global platforms. While evaluating Indian Journals of Agricultural and Allied Sciences, comprehensive and inclusive databases with many characteristics listed below should be adopted so as to ensure equal focus and benefit from international exposure: • The database should have regional and multi-lingual journals with proper translation or abstracting, interdisciplinary research output, more and new journals/technical reports/official scientific documents/conference proceedings etc, open access for smaller journals to ensure readily accessible cutting-edge research in agriculture • The database should provide more nuanced metrics that value realistic impact and localized research contributions considering immediate practical applications • The database should include a wide range of journals across diverse disciplines, including agriculture, forestry, veterinary sciences, and environmental science with more inclusion of regional and specialized journals, providing access to a broader spectrum of agricultural research • The database should emphasis on journals from developing regions, which often publish research addressing local agricultural challenges. This diversity helps in showcasing research contributions from regions/countries with significant agricultural economies • The database of agriculture-related journals should overlap with other related fields viz., environmental science, biology, and social sciences, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of agriculture. This helps researchers access a more comprehensive set of resources • The database have detailed subject areas, allowing researchers to pinpoint agricultural science journals within relevant subfields like: