Sylhet Agricultural University

Probiotics are promising substitute to synthetic agrochemicals for improving fish health in the aquaculture system. The probiotics used in the aquaculture sector of Bangladesh are mostly imported. While these probiotics can offer benefits, probiotic-supplemented diet sometimes shows inconsistent results mainly due to incompatibility between the probiotic strains and local aquatic environment or fish species. Therefore, the development of probiotics from native fish species could be an alternative to mitigate the possible detrimental effects of imported probiotics on aquaculture production in Bangladesh. Thus, this study aimed to isolate and identify potential probiotic bacteria from the gut of Asian stinging catfish and to evaluate their efficiency in improving physiological parameters and organ morphology of the host fish. Following morphological and biochemical screening of the bacterial isolates, five isolates having potential probiotic traits were identified as Bacillus safensis (HF8), Bacillus altitudinis (HF10), Bacillus pacificus (HF19), Bacillus cereus (HF20), and Bacillus cereus (HF21) using 16S rRNA sequencing through the Barcode-Tagged Sequencing™ (BTSeq™) platform. Five probiotic bacteria, either individually or as a consortium, showed varying degrees of susceptibility to the thirteen antibiotics tested. Isolates HF8, HF19, and HF21 and the probiotic consortium demonstrated antagonistic activity against Aeromonas hydrophila, with strain HF8 exhibiting better inhibition efficiency. Application of a consortium of probiotic bacterial strains (1.15 × 10⁹ to 2 × 1.15 × 10⁹ CFU/kg feed) through feed supplementation significantly improved the growth of the Asian stinging catfish compared to the untreated control after 60 days of the feeding trial. Similarly, probiotic-fortified diet significantly enhanced the hepatosomatic index and relative intestine weight in the studied fish. The hematobiochemical parameters showed varying responses to the probiotic-supplemented diets. Moreover, the probiotic consortium had positive effects on the morphological parameters of the intestine and liver compared to the control. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson’s correlation of the histomorphology indices demonstrated a positive impact of the laboratory-based probiotic-fortified diet on the intestine of the host fish. The gonadosomatic index and developmental stages of the ovary were also improved in the fish treated with probiotic consortium compared to the group fed with normal feed. Multi-location field-level trials should be done before applying this probiotic-fortified diet at the farmers’ level, which could substantially improve the commercial fish production in an ecofriendly manner.

The global increase in greenhouse gas emissions is mainly due to electricity and heat generation, transportation, manufacturing and construction, and agriculture. In particular, agriculture produces underutilized waste that generates greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. Here we review the conversion of farming waste into energy, with focus on waste from agriculture, livestock, poultry, and pisciculture. Energy production techniques include pelletization, pyrolysis, gasification, liquefaction, anaerobic digestion, and fermentation. In thermochemical processes, the biofuel yield is controlled by temperature, pressure, heating rate, feedstock concentration, reaction time, catalysts, and reactor type. In biological processes, the biofuel yield is controlled by pretreatment intensity, microorganisms, substrate loading, temperature, volatile solids, reaction time, and inhibitors.

Global warming is making plants more susceptible to heat stress. Hence, adjustments to crop production systems are required for global food security. Heat stress (HS) poses a threat to the quality of ecosystems and global food security due to its adverse effects on plant development. The degree to which HS affects physiological disruptions, physical harm, and biochemical changes at various growth stages directly correlates with its effects on physiological functions, plant growth, and crop production. One promising approach is soil modification using biochar, which enhances soil health and promotes the development of microbial communities, ultimately improving plant heat tolerance. Biochar enhances soil structure, improves moisture retention, and increases nutrient availability in hot weather, thereby promoting plant growth and enhancing crop yields. Additionally, biochar, with its porous structure and ability to provide a liming effect, increases the diversity and activity of soil microbes, thereby fostering advantageous symbiotic relationships. These microbial communities support nutrient cycling, root growth, and general soil health, strengthening biochar’s position as a long-term solution for climate-resilient farming. Earlier research concentrated on the connection between biochar and heat stress or microbial populations; however, this review uniquely combines all three elements, providing a fresh viewpoint on their interrelated functions in enhancing plant adaptability. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the potential of biochar as a sustainable component for improving soil and supporting crops that adapt to heat stress. It examines the processes underlying these interactions and provides recommendations for future research strategies.

Food safety knowledge and practices are essential to prevent contamination, reduce health risks, and ensure the overall quality and safety of food products, particularly in perishable goods like fish. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the food safety knowledge and practices among fish sellers in various fish markets to see the scenario of safety and hygiene conditions in these markets. This study examined the level of food safety knowledge and its implementation among fish sellers in the Cumilla district of Bangladesh. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire by direct interviews with 100 respondents, comprising 75 retailers and 25 wholesalers from fish markets across eight upazilas. Knowledge regarding foodborne diseases was minimal, as 44% of retailers and wholesalers disagreed that such diseases affect everyone. Regarding food safety knowledge, two-thirds of respondents correctly answered questions about cross-contamination, while only half provided accurate responses related to foodborne diseases and personal hygiene. The composite score of food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices indicated significant differences (p < 0.05), highlighting a gap between adequate knowledge and its actual implementation. Poor adherence to basic hygiene practices, such as using tissues when coughing or sneezing and washing hands before or after touching the nose, was prevalent among both retailers and wholesalers. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that various demographic factors, such as family size and toilet facilities, significantly (p < 0.05) influenced food safety practices. To address the knowledge gap and its implementation among fish traders, this study recommends a multifaceted approach that includes evidence-based awareness campaigns, strengthening the capacity of stakeholders, and adapting food safety regulations to local contexts.

Heavy metal (HM) accumulation in soil poses a major hazard to both ecological health and plant growth progressions. Cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni) are examples of HMs that negatively impact the growth and development of plants, resulting in lower agricultural output and food safety concerns. Biochar (BC), a substance rich in carbon that is formed by pyrolyzing natural biomass, has demonstrated remarkable promise in reducing HM stress in polluted soils. Research has shown that BC effectively lowers plant uptake of metals, and enhances soil qualities, and encourages microbial activity. Besides, BC improves the fertility of soil, retention of water, and nutrient absorption, while it interacts with soil microbes to help mitigate the negative effects. However, a number of variables affect how effective BC is as a soil supplement, including the kind of BC used, the soil’s characteristics, and the metal’s qualities. This review delves into the mechanisms of BC’s interactions with HMs, its potential to mitigate stress caused by different metals, and the factors that influence its efficiency. Furthermore, it draws attention to the drawbacks and difficulties associated with using BC in heavy-metal-contaminated soils, offering suggestions for future studies focused on maximizing its utilization for long-term soil rehabilitation and sustainable agriculture.

We report the draft genome sequence of Enterococcus faecium MKL_BAU_Fe01 from chicken meat in Bangladesh. The 2,953,746 bp genome, with 37.99% GC content across 264 contigs, contains 3,117 genes, including 3,007 Coding Sequences (CDSs), 17 rRNAs, and 89 tRNAs, along with several antibiotic resistance and pathogenic genes.

Cancer is a result of uncontrolled cell growth with the potential to damage or spread to another part of the body. It is the deadliest disease in the world; therefore, rapid and sensitive detection is essential to fight it. In the past few decades, many diagnosis tools have been developed to detect cancer and monitor therapy progress. Among them, electrochemical biosensor showed the promising significance due to its capability of early detection, selectivity, sensitivity, flexibility, portability and cost‐effectiveness. The performance of the electrochemical sensor depends on the sensor surface engineering as well as development techniques based on the types of biomarkers. This review covers the importance of cancer diagnosis, the basic concept of the electrochemical biosensor, design strategy of biosensors including surface engineering and the state‐of‐the‐art for different types of biomarker detection. Additionally, the limitations and advantages of different types of biosensors were parallelly explained. Finally, the future direction for the advancement of electrochemical biosensor is comprehensively discussed. The author trusts that the insights thus explained will lead to further research in the scholarly community aimed at expanding theoretical knowledge and pragmatic innovation in electrochemical sensing devices for cancer detection. Such research findings are anticipated to facilitate high‐end developments both in the theoretical area and the application.

Rice blast, caused by the pathogenic fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, is a highly destructive disease of rice that leads to significant reductions in crop yield each year and poses a serious threat to rice production worldwide. Utilizing R genes to develop resistant varieties continues to be the most cost-effective and efficient approach for managing rice blast. Molecular screening of important blast resistance genes of rice and their allelic diversity were assessed in forty eight wild and local rice genotypes of Bangladesh using ten previously synthesized gene-based SSR markers. A varying range between 18.7% to 87.5% was seen in the genetic frequencies of ten key blast resistance genes. Fourteen genotypes possessed maximum eight blast resistance genes while, nine of the genotypes had seven blast resistance genes. Nine genotypes contained six blast resistance genes and five genotypes had a minimum of two blast resistance genes. At least five positive pieces of the predicted product size were occupied by thirty-five genotypes, among total forty eight genotypes. These findings are important for identifying and incorporating functional resistance genes from Bangladeshi local germplasms into the elite cultivars by using marker-assisted selection and providing better resistance to blast. Marker analysis of resistant and susceptible genotypes using ten RAPD showed that, markers OPA 5, OPF 9 and OPH 18 clearly differentiate resistant genotypes BAU dhan-3 from susceptible genotypes BRRI dhan 28 and BRRI dhan 29 indicating the potentiality of these markers to identify blast resistant rice genotypes and use in marker assisted breeding (MAB) to develop blast resistant high yielding rice varieties in Bangladesh. Key words: Rice, Blast, Resistance genes, Molecular markers, Marker assisted breeding

Background Nature farming, a sustainable agricultural method which avoids agrochemicals and untreated organic amendments, promotes both agricultural productivity and ecological conservation. This system may foster unique plant-microbiota interactions for growth and fitness; however, the microbiota of nature-farmed plants remains largely unexplored. Second, root nodule symbiosis (RNS) is crucial for nitrogen fixation in legumes; however, its broader impact on rhizosphere microbiota assembly is not well understood. This study examined the dynamics between impaired nodule symbiosis, soil management, and the rhizosphere microbiota composition and growth of soybean (Glycine max L.). Results We evaluated the growth and characterized the rhizosphere bacterial and fungal communities of soybean by comparing wildtype soybeans (Enrei) with the non-nodulating mutants (En1282) across four soils under conventional and nature farming, including fumigated and unfumigated conditions. We found that the non-nodulating soybean mutants (En1282) exhibited reduced growth compared with wild-type (Enrei) plants, especially in untreated soils. Soil fumigation decreased microbial diversity and reshaped rhizosphere community composition with a significant reduction in plant growth and nodulation in all soils. Restriction in RNS increased bacterial diversity in untreated soils, possibly as a compensatory mechanism for nitrogen acquisition, whereas fungal diversity remained relatively stable. Nature farming promoted beneficial microbes like Rhizobium, Trichoderma, and Chloridium, whereas conventional soil plants favored Bacillus and Aspergillus. Notably, differential enrichment analysis identified distinct associations for each nodulation phenotype, with Enrei predominantly enriched for Pseudomonas, and En1282 associated primarily with oligotrophic microbes. Conclusion Our study sheds light on the complex interplay between legume symbiosis and rhizosphere microbiota assembly and highlights the significance of eco-friendly farming methods like nature farming in cultivating a healthy rhizosphere for plant growth. The results paves way for future strategies to manipulate rhizosphere microbiota, ultimately promoting robust and sustainable farming systems that reduce reliance on chemical inputs.

Coal mining soils are highly susceptible to heavy metal pollution due to the discharge of mine tailings, overburden dumps, and acid mine drainage. Developing a reliable predictive model for heavy metal concentrations in this region has proven to be a significant challenge. This study employed machine learning (ML) techniques to model heavy metal pollution in soils within this critical ecosystem. A total of 91 standardized soil samples were analyzed to predict the accumulation of eight heavy metals using four distinct ML algorithms. Among them, random forest model outer performed in predicting As (0.79), Cd (0.89), Cr (0.63), Ni (0.56), Cu (0.60), and Zn (0.52), achieving notable R squared values. The feature attribute analysis identified As–K, Pb–K, Cd–S, Zn–Fe2O3, Cr– Fe2O3, Ni–Al2O3, Cu–P, and Mn– Fe2O3 relationships resembled with correlation coefficients among them. The developed models revealed that the contamination factor for metals in soils indicated extremely high levels of Pb contamination (CF ≥ 6). In conclusion, this research offers a robust framework for predicting heavy metal pollution in coal mining soils, highlighting critical areas that require immediate conservation efforts. These findings emphasize the necessity for targeted environmental management and mitigation to reduce heavy metal pollution in mining sites.

Maintaining a healthy intestine is essential for growth and host defense mechanisms of farmed fish, particularly those densely stocked. In this context, maintaining a healthy intestinal microbiota for proper digestion, absorption, and integrity of the mucosa is of utmost importance. Nano‐form (SeNPs)‐enriched‐Pediastrum boryanum (Turpin) exhibits antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antitumor properties. Therefore, SeNPs are valuable nutritional supplements for farmed aquatic animals. Algogenic Se nanoparticles (SeNPs, 79.26 nm) were synthesized from the green microalga Pediastrum boryanum. A Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) basal diet was blended with 0.75 or 1.5 mg/kg dry feed of the SeNPs for and fed for 8 weeks. Comprehensive arrays of intestinal biomarker‐related parameters were investigated. Supplementation with SeNPs, particularly at a 1.5 mg/kg diet, improved growth performance, amylase and lipase activity, serotonin metabolite level, and intestinal morphometry. In addition, SeNPs supplementation suppressed serotonin levels. SeNPs at a 1.5 mg/kg diet were observed to be the optimal dose, as they showed better results concerning the increase in beneficial microbes and decrease in pathogenic microbes, demonstrating the potential role of SeNPs in growth improvement and enhanced intestinal functions. The sum of our data underscores the benefits of supplementing Nile tilapia feed with SeNPs to promote the growth and profitability of aquaculture.

Roadside plants serve as biomonitoring agents by absorbing air pollutants and reducing environmental contamination. The objective of this study was to to assess the air pollution tolerance and heavy metal accumulation capacity of 36 common roadside plant species in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, using the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) and Metal Accumulation Index (MAI). Various biochemical parameters, including total chlorophyll content, ascorbic acid levels, leaf extract pH, and relative water content, were analysed to evaluate plant susceptibility to pollution. The APTI values among the studied species ranged from 5.64 to 19.23, with Syzygium cumini exhibiting the highest tolerance (APTI 19.23) and Mussaenda frondosa the highest sensitivity (APTI 5.64). Only Syzygium cumini was classified as an intermediate tolerant species, while all other plants were sensitive. Heavy metal analysis using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) revealed that Fe (33.96 mg/kg) was the most accumulated metal, followed by Mn (6.68 mg/kg) and Ni (2.71 mg/kg). Elaeis guineensis had the highest MAI (5.173), while Gardenia jasminoides had the lowest (0.322). Strong correlations were observed between APTI and total chlorophyll content (R2 = 0.5927) and between APTI and ascorbic acid (R2 = 0.7792), indicating their role in pollution tolerance. The study findings highlight the potential of Syzygium cumini and Elaeis guineensis for air pollution mitigation and biomonitoring, aiding urban planners in selecting appropriate plant species for greener, healthier environments.

High-quality Robusta peaberry coffees in Lampung underwent various processing techniques, including two distinct fermentation methods: Codot-based fermentation (CF) and natural-based fermentation (NF). The variation in fermentation techniques significantly affects the flavor and cost of Lampung's excellent Robusta peaberry coffees. This study examines the potential application of untargeted portable front-face fluorescence spectroscopy and chemometrics to differentiate Lampung fine Robusta peaberry coffees based on various fermentation procedures. Two varieties of green coffee beans were prepared for sampling: CF (n = 60) and NF (n = 60). Three kernels of green coffee beans from CF and NF were placed in a sample holder for each sample. The fluorescence spectral data were obtained using a portable front-face fluorescence spectrometer, including a 365 nm light-emitting diode (LED) as the excitation source. The creation of supervised classification models for CF and NF utilized three distinct classifiers: partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), principal component analysis-linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA), and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The findings indicate that employing preprocessed spectral data yielded a classification accuracy of 100% (p < 0.01) across all classifiers. The current results affirm that assessing Lampung fine Robusta peaberry coffees utilizing various fermentation processes through low-cost front-face fluorescence spectroscopy is feasible.

Background Despite improvements in recent decades, Bangladesh continues to face malnutrition rates that are among the highest in the world. Consuming a nutrient-rich diverse diet can mitigate the risk of malnutrition-induced health problems. However, consumers often lack knowledge about what constitutes a healthy diet, and often knowledge improvements do not necessarily translate to behavior change due to social norms and access constraints. Objectives This study evaluates the effectiveness of participatory nutrition education in improving nutrition knowledge and dietary diversity among rural men and women in Bangladesh, investigates whether increased nutrition knowledge leads to changes in dietary behavior, and explores the factors limiting behavior change to aid in the development and implementation of nutrition-sensitive interventions. Design Three-arm randomized control study. We randomize participants into two participatory workshop interventions or the control group of no training. The first intervention consisted of workshop activities related to selecting a balanced diet. The second intervention included the activities of the first intervention as well as activities related to gender and intrahousehold food allocation. Participants 358 adult men and women in two districts of Bangladesh. Results Using pre- and post-intervention survey data and lagged dependent variable regression analyses, we find an 8–11% increase (p = 0.010) in the comprehensive nutrition knowledge score among workshop attendees, compared to the control. We find larger effects, up to a 30% increase (p = 0.002), on targeted scores measuring knowledge around food groups and nutrients. Despite increases in knowledge, we find little to no evidence that the workshops impact dietary diversity or that nutrition knowledge translates to behavior change. Our survey responses reveal economic factors such as income and food access limit participants from putting their improved nutrition knowledge into action. Conclusions Habits, social norms and economic factors such as income and access constraints can prevent participants from putting improved nutrition knowledge into action. Short-term, low-cost participatory workshops may be more effective when coupled with economic incentives, gifts-in-kind, or nutrition-sensitive agriculture.

Seed germination and seedling development are critical processes in the growth and establishment of vegetable crops. Germination is initiated by water absorption, which triggers biochemical changes and the activation of enzymes in the seed. This chapter explores the intricate process of seed germination and seedling development in vegetable crops, with a primary focus on the role of growth regulation and quality enhancement. The germination phase is a critical period that lays the foundation for a plant’s growth trajectory and final yield. Temperature, light, moisture, and hormonal balance significantly influence germination success. Growth regulators, including phytohormones, are instrumental in orchestrating key developmental events during seedling establishment. High-quality seeds are essential for successful crop production, with germination potential, seed health, and genetic and physical purity being critical components of seed quality. The quality of vegetables encompasses attributes such as nutritional content, appearance, taste, and resistance to stressors. Various growth regulators and innovative cultivation techniques are being employed to manipulate these traits positively. This chapter highlights the importance of quality seeds, mechanisms of seed germination, molecular aspects and approaches to speed up seed germination and seedling development in vegetable crops.

Moringa oleifera (MO) leaf contains higher level of crude protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can improve animal health, productivity and growth. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Moringa oleifera (MO) silage on milk yield, milk quality and serum metabolites of lactating Pabna cattle. A total twelve (n = 12) lactating cow were selected for two dietary groups, where one was farm practice: 60% German + 40% concentrate and another one was MO silage: 60% MO silage + 40% concentrate, using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six replication for 60 days. The statistical analysis was done using R studio (4.2.2) software. The results revealed non-significant differences for dry matter intake between two dietary groups, whereas significantly (p < 0.05) higher digestibility of DM, CP, ADF and NDF were observed in MO silage group. Moreover, MO silage had significant (p < 0.05) effects on milk yield, milk protein and lactose content. In serum metabolites, MO silage significantly (p < 0.05) decreased glucose and creatinine, whereas calcium also increased (p < 0.05) compared to farm practice group. Furthermore, alanine transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol had significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in MO silage than farm practice. A correlation was found among blood metabolites, milk parameter and their interaction. Considering the results, it could be concluded that, MO silage can be a valuable alternative feed resources for increasing milk production of dairy cattle.

Global climate change significantly influences environmental temperature, affecting the feeding patterns, growth, and overall health of fish. Understanding how fish respond to thermal changes is crucial, particularly for growth and stress response in aquaculture. This study examines the effects of different acclimation temperatures on the expression of stress, appetite, and growth-related genes in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Quantitative real-time PCR method was employed to analyze the expression of genes for growth hormone (gh) from the pituitary, insulin-like growth factors (igf1 and igf2), ghrelin, and heat shock proteins (hsp70 and hsp90) from the liver of juvenile Nile tilapia acclimated to 31°C (control), 34°C, and 37°C for 14 days. Results revealed that the expression of hsp70 and hsp90 as well as the level of blood glucose were significantly upregulated at 37°C in both males and females, indicating a pronounced stress response due to higher acclimation temperature. Conversely, the expressions of gh, igf1, and igf2 were highest at 34°C, stimulating metabolic processes and promoting somatic growth. In comparison, significantly lower expression of these genes was observed at 37°C, suggesting an inhibitory effect of higher temperatures on growth processes. Expression of ghrelin followed a similar pattern to that of GH and IGFs with higher levels at 34°C correlating with increased appetite and growth, but a decreased expression at 37°C, indicating reduced feeding activity resulting from thermal stress. These findings underscore the critical role of maintaining optimal temperatures in aquaculture settings and provide valuable insights into the physiological mechanisms underlying thermal adaptation in Nile tilapia under varying environmental conditions.

Microplastics (MPs) are omnipresent in all ecosystems, and sediments are considered as their ultimate sink in marine environment. This study focused on the occurrence, characteristics, and risk of MPs in the beach sediments of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Sediment samples were collected from a total of 17 sites from four study areas hosting various types of aquacultural, agricultural, animal agricultural, and tourism activities during the peak tourist season. Stereomicroscopy, micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (μ-FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used for qualitative and quantitative characterization of MPs. MPs were detected in all beach sediment samples, with abundance ranging from 280 to 1060 items/kg. Overall, small sizes (< 250 μm), fibrous and granular shapes, white and transparent color were the major characteristics for MPs in the beach sediments. The dominant polymer types for the MPs were PP (24.89%), LDPE (21.85%), and HDPE (18.06%). The risk of MPs in the beach sediments was quantitatively assessed with the pollution load index (PLI, 1.0–3.78), polymeric hazard index (PHI, 49.5–70.0), and ecological risk index (ERI, 54.3–232). MPs in the sediments of Kolatoli sea beach had the highest average PLI (2.32), which is indicative of significant pollution, while those in the sediments of Darianagar beach point had the lowest average PLI (1.07). The average PHI values of MPs in the four study areas (57.2 to 63.4) were within the medium range, while the average ERI values (61.1 to 135) were indicative of low to medium ecological risk. While the ecological risk of MPs in the beach sediments of Cox’s Bazar is relatively low due to the dominance of polymers with low risk scores, efforts devoted to the management of plastic waste should be made to prevent further accumulation of MPs.

Acute Malnutrition affects 45 million children under five globally, with Bangladesh contributing more than 1.7 million cases. While community‐based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) guidelines in Bangladesh exist, they primarily emphasise nutritional counselling and face challenges in coverage and implementations. It is important to understand barriers to CMAM uptake and implementation. This study aims to explore the perceptions of acute malnutrition's underlying factors and consequences among parents, healthcare providers, and policymakers, alongside parents' care‐seeking behaviours for under‐five children with acute malnutrition. Conducted in areas with and without CMAM programs, the research follows a phenomenological design with thematic analysis of focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs). Thirty FGDs with parents, 28 KIIs with healthcare providers, and 16 KIIs with policymakers were conducted. Identified causes of acute malnutrition included infections, diseases, lack of awareness about nutritious foods, supernatural beliefs, poverty, and inadequate care and feeding practices. Consequences included stunted growth, impaired mental development, and increased illness risk. Although parents acknowledged the urgency of treating acute malnutrition, they sought care at healthcare facilities regardless of illness. Factors influencing care‐seeking behaviour were inability in problem prioritisation, transportation cost and availability, healthcare access, wage loss, and out‐of‐pocket expenses. Despite awareness of acute malnutrition's underlying factors and consequences, parental care‐seeking remains limited. The study recommends integrating acute malnutrition guidelines with communicable disease programs, implementing targeted social and behavioural change programs, addressing superstitions, fostering collaboration with traditional healers strengthening social safety nets, and empowering women in healthcare decision‐making.