<p>The aim of this study was to identify optimal combination of planting material and nutrient management strategy that could enhance cane yield while maximizing nutrient use efficiency and profitability for farmers. A two-year (2022–24) field experiment was conducted at Sugarcane Research Institute of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar, India in a factorial randomized block design, consisting of factor A of four types of planting materials and seven fertility levels in factor B. Increased dry matter production promoted superior yield attributes, resulting in a significantly greater yield in three budded setts. Application of soil test-based recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + 25% N through pressmud + zinc sulfate led to maximum cane yield which was 38.3 and 37.4% higher over RDF during both years of the study. Agronomic N use efficiency was maximum under three budded setts and a decline of 25.5 and 38.0% in partial factor productivity of N was found with single budded setts as compared to three budded setts during first and second year respectively. Furthermore, planting of sugarcane using three budded setts and soil test-based RDF with 25% more N through pressmud along with zinc sulfate of 25&#xa0;kg&#xa0;ha⁻¹ was found more economical than other planting materials and nutrient management options due to higher benefit: cost ratio which could be attributed to enhanced cane yield. In general, three budded setts may be considered as a promising planting material for sugarcane and combined application soil test based RDF and 25% more N through pressmud with zinc sulfate can improve the sugarcane yield and profitability by increasing nutrient use efficiency is recommended for improving agricultural sustainability in sugarcane cultivated areas.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>