Promoting Excellence in Agricultural Sciences: Journal Impact, Leadership and Challenges is a thought-provoking and timely book that explores the evolving landscape of agricultural research, scholarship, and leadership in the 21st century. This volume delves into the complex interplay between scientific innovation, academic publishing, and institutional excellence, offering a comprehensive perspective on how agricultural sciences can be strengthened through strategic vision, impactful research, and dynamic leadership. The book critically examines the role of scientific journals in shaping research priorities and the growing emphasis on impact factors and citation metrics. It addresses how these metrics influence funding, reputation, and the career trajectories of scientists, while also reflecting on the ethical and practical challenges of publication pressures. Through real-world examples and data-driven analysis, the book highlights the importance of quality over quantity in scientific publishing.

Leadership in agricultural science is another central theme. The book underscores the need for transformative leaders who can bridge research, policy, and practice to address pressing issues such as food security, climate resilience, and sustainability. It showcases the contributions of leading institutions and individuals who have driven innovation and set benchmarks in agricultural education and research. Furthermore, the book identifies key challenges facing the agricultural research community, including resource constraints, interdisciplinary integration, and the need for global collaboration. It advocates for a more inclusive and responsible approach to science that values mentorship, diversity, and the societal relevance of research.

Promoting Excellence in Agricultural Sciences is an essential read for researchers, academic leaders, policymakers, and students. It not only celebrates achievements but also calls for reforms to ensure that agricultural science continues to thrive and serve humanity in a rapidly changing world. With a forward-looking vision, it inspires the next generation of scientists to pursue excellence with integrity, innovation, and impact.

BV Ramana Rao (b 1940) taught Agricultural Meteorology in the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore during the years 1966 to 1979 and later joined the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and superannuated from service during April, 2000. He served as Head, Division of Climatology, Wind Power and Solar Energy Utilization at ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur (Rajasthan); founder Project Coordinator, All India Coordinated Research Project on Agrometeorology at ICARCentral Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad (Telangana) during December 1984 to March 1994. His major contributions in the field of Agrometeorology include Agroclimatic Characterization, Delineation of Efficient Cropping Zones, Crop Weather Modeling, Classification and Management of Agricultural Droughts, Operational Agrometeorology, etc. He published about 150 research papers in peer reviewed journals with 50 of his papers appearing in high impact International Journals. He authored 5 books and monographs and a number of scientific and technical bulletins. He served as Editor in Chief, Journal of Agrometeorology during the years 2009 to 2023.
He is the recipient of British Council Fellowship during the year 1986 -87 for advanced training at University of Reading, United Kingdom. He was conferred as Honorary Fellow, Association of Agrometeorologists during the year 2011 for his valuable contribution to the growth and development of Agricultural Meteorology in India.

Surender Singh (b 1965) has about thirty five years of experience with PhD in the field of Agrometeorology. Worked in Agrometeorology encompassing teaching, research, extension and administration at various capacities viz., Principal Scientist, Professor & Head, Senior Scientist, Assistant Scientist, Advisor (Recruitments) and Associate Director (Students’ Counseling and Placement) at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India. Recipient of Two Gold Medals for Best Research Work during PhD Program and for Best PhD Dissertation (2001-02) awarded by then President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Offered UK Universities Vice Chancellors’ Scholarship for Higher Studies twice (1991 & 1993) under Commonwealth Fellowship Program. Post Doctoral Fellow at Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Trieste, Italy; IAC – Instituto Agronômico, Campinas, Brazil and BOKU (Met) - Institute of Meteorology and Climatology, Vienna, Austria.

He is life member of Association of Agrometeorologists, Indian Meteorological Society, Indian Society of Remote Sensing, International Society for Agrometeorology, Society for Sustainable Agric& Resource Management, Environment Science Published for Everybody Round the Earth (ESPERE), European Drought Centre, South Asian Forum on Agriculture Meteorology (SAFOAM) and The Geographical Society of India. Organized quite a few trainings/symposia in Agrometeorology and associated domains at National level. Published more than 250 research papers, popular articles, manuals/teaching aids and research bulletins/book chapters etc. Performed responsibilities as Managing Editor - Journal of Agrometeorology, Research Collaborator, Monsoon Asia Agro-Environmental Research Consortium (MARCO), Japan, Member, Expert Team - CAgM-WMO, Geneva, Switzerland (2018-20). Core Committee Member on Agriculture – Drought at WMO, Geneva, Switzerland (2021-24 & 2024-27). External Expert for evaluation of research projects submitted at COST-Association, European Union, Brussels, Belgium. Many students (UG, PG and PhD) were trained under him and placed across the country and well settled in various positions in the field of Agrometeorology. He is widely travelled researcher/expert across the globe on many academic pursuits. He has been conferred upon Fellow of Association of Agrometeorologists (FAAM) for the year 2024 in recognition of his exemplary achievements and enduring impact on agrometeorological science.

Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgement
List of Figures
Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. The Importance of Journal Ratings
Chapter 3. Comparative Analysis of JCR and SJR: A Global Perspective on Journal Ranking Systems
Chapter 4. Scopus Database: Lesser Known Facts
Chapter 5. Improving NAAS Journal Rating Methodologies
Chapter 6. Article Processing Charges (APCs): Challenges and Solutions
Chapter 7. Developing Scientific Leadership in Agricultural Sciences
Chapter 8. Integrative Research Models for Agricultural Progress
Chapter 9. Addressing Global Disparities in Agricultural Research
Chapter 10. Ethics and Transparency in Journal Rating Systems
Chapter 11. Combating Predatory Journals
Chapter 12. Strengthening National Journals for Local Impact 
Chapter 13. A Blueprint for Equitable Journal Ratings
Chapter 14. SDG-Impact Journals Rating: A New Perspective 
Chapter 15. Policy Recommendations for Agricultural Sciences
Chapter 16. The Future of Agricultural Research and Publishing 
Chapter 17. Supposition 
Chapter 18. Summaries of Recommended Actions
Bibliography
Appendices
Subject Index