Peer Review Policy

Duties of Reviewers
The peer review process is a vital component of editorial decision-making at the Journal of Agrometeorology, a national, peer-reviewed scientific journal. Reviewers play a crucial role in maintaining the quality, credibility, and integrity of scholarly communication in the field of agrometeorology and allied agricultural sciences. Through critical evaluation and constructive feedback, reviewers assist editors in making informed publication decisions and help authors improve the scientific clarity, methodological rigor, and practical relevance of their manuscripts. The Journal of Agrometeorology recognizes peer review as a shared academic responsibility and encourages qualified scholars to actively contribute to the advancement of agrometeorological research.

Timeliness
Reviewers are expected to conduct manuscript evaluations within the stipulated time frame. If a reviewer feels unqualified to assess a manuscript due to limited expertise in a specific area of agrometeorology, climate science, or agricultural meteorological applications, or anticipates delays that may affect the review process, they should promptly inform the editorial office and decline the review invitation. Timely communication enables the journal to appoint alternative reviewers and ensures an efficient and smooth review process.

Confidentiality
All manuscripts received for review must be treated as confidential documents. Reviewers must not disclose, discuss, or share manuscript content with unauthorized individuals without explicit permission from the Editor-in-Chief. This obligation of confidentiality applies to all data, methodologies, interpretations, and conclusions presented in the manuscript and is essential for safeguarding original research findings, unpublished data, and sensitive agro-meteorological information.

Objectivity and Constructive Feedback
Reviews should be conducted objectively and focus solely on the scientific merit of the manuscript. Reviewers are expected to provide clear, reasoned, and evidence-based comments that assist authors in strengthening their work, particularly in areas such as experimental design, data analysis, interpretation of weather–crop relationships, and applicability of agrometeorological findings. Personal criticism, biased remarks, or derogatory comments toward authors are inappropriate and contrary to the principles of scholarly review.

Acknowledgment of Sources
Reviewers are encouraged to identify relevant published literature that may have been overlooked by the authors, particularly key national or international studies in agrometeorology, climate variability, crop-weather modeling, and related disciplines. Any statements, interpretations, or conclusions that are derived from prior research should be supported by appropriate citations. Reviewers should also inform the editorial team if they identify substantial similarity, overlap, or potential plagiarism between the manuscript under review and other published or unpublished works.

Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest
Reviewers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest arising from personal, professional, institutional, or financial relationships with the authors, affiliated institutions, or funding agencies related to the manuscript. If such conflicts exist, reviewers should notify the editors immediately and decline the review invitation to ensure fairness and impartiality in the review process.

Additionally, reviewers must not use any unpublished information, data, or ideas obtained through the peer review process for their own research or personal advantage without the explicit written consent of the authors. All privileged information acquired during the review process must remain confidential, regardless of whether the reviewer accepts or declines the review assignment.

By adhering to these ethical principles and professional responsibilities, the Journal of Agrometeorology ensures a rigorous, fair, and transparent peer review system that upholds the highest standards of academic integrity and contributes to the advancement of agrometeorological research at the national level.