Nitrogen (N) is an inevitable element for all living beings in the world. It provides food, feed, fibre for our existence and keeps the gaseous composition of the atmosphere balanced for our breathing. The inherent soil N has the capacity to produce food for 50% of the global population. For rest of the 50% food production application of inorganic N-fertilizer along with other nutrient elements in a balanced fashion is a must. Research findings from different regions of the world confirmed that N use efficiency (NUE) seldom surpasses 20–40%. It indicates that about 60–80% of the applied N remains unutilized. Globally, N fertilizer use in agriculture has been increased over three-folds in 2021 compared to 1970. In the South Asian (SA) countries, N increased almost ten-folds in 2021 compared to 10.7 kg ha-1 in 1970. The SA region supports over 25% of global population and over 45% of the Asia’s population with about 14% of the global arable land. The region holds 58% share of N fertilizer used in agriculture globally. Due to lower NUE, a large amount of reactive N is wasted which is a serious concern of the global environment more specifically the SA region has been appeared as the global N hotspot. Concerted efforts are needed to address the N challenges which keep agriculture and environment live and healthy and direct the ways of achieving the UN sustainable development goals. In this perspective, the study attempted to tackle N problems considering multiple directions bringing scientists, farmers, policy makers and other stakeholders together. Participatory research and stakeholders’ engagement activities were conducted to find pragmatic solutions of N challenges in agriculture. Different stakeholders were tied up into all possible aspects of N management strategies viz., awareness raising campaign, training/seminar/workshop for farmers. Students, civil societies, scientists, academicians, and policy makers. Targeting the Colombo Declaration ‘halve N waste by 2030’ and matching with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of locally available guidance and practices are identified and developed which are efficient to increase NUE. Some of the most effectual tactics to augment NUE and abate negative effects of climate change are integrated nutrient management, soil test-based N recommendation, urea deep placement, biochar application, use of biologically fixed green N and leaf colour sensing mobile N app. Confirmation of adoption and best management of these practices and tools might ensure our environment sustainable and earth green. NUE is a key parameter of nitrogen management. Disproportionate fertilizer use in intensive farming results in soil degradation, nutrient losses, and extensive environmental pollution further contributing to climate change. In this regard, village level efforts have been very efferctive. Village level agronomic solutions by involving different stakeholders have proven highly helpful in addressing these challenges.