A picture of the Clearfield Mustard launch event in Jaipur on Wednesday
Corteva India in strategic partnership with BASF India unveils new Clearfield production system for mustard crop. This innovative, non-GM cropping system is herbicide-tolerant and aims to improve mustard cultivation through better weed control and higher yield potential.
With a production of more than 4 million tonnes, mustard plays an important role as the largest contributor to edible oil producing crops. Indian farmers cultivate more than 8 million hectares of land every year and face major challenges from parasitic weeds like orabanche, which can cause yield losses of up to 50%. Due to severe infection the crop can be completely destroyed. Effective weed management is essential to maintain crop production and ensure India’s self-sufficiency in edible oils.
Clearfield Advantage
Clearfield technology, including Kifix herbicide, is a proprietary innovation from BASF, known to provide broad spectrum and selective control against tough weeds such as orobanche. At its core, the system integrates Corteva’s advanced and high-yield genetics with BASF Clearfield herbicide-tolerant traits. Mustard seeds developed with Clearfield trait are non-transgenic and non-genetically modified, obtained through traditional plant-breeding techniques. These seeds will be sold by Corteva exclusively under the Pioneer brand, providing farmers with high-quality, innovative solutions for mustard cultivation.
Welcome farmers of Rajasthan
Agriculture, Horticulture Minister Kirori Lal Meena said, “Rajasthan is an important mustard production center in India. Our farmers face immense pressure from pests and weeds like Orobanche. Corteva and BASF’s Clearfield Mustard Production System is a welcome innovation. It promises relief and prosperity to our mustard growers, increasing agricultural productivity, ensuring stable production and security of farmers’ livelihoods.”
Giridhar Ranuva, Director, BASF Agricultural Solutions India, said, “BASF is really pleased to launch the Clearfield Production System for our mustard farmers in India. Farming is the greatest job on Earth, this moment represents a commitment years in the making for our farmers and the future of Indian agriculture.” “I want to sincerely thank all stakeholders involved in the project for their trust and partnership. Your support makes it possible for all of us to bring forward technologies that really make a difference – helping farmers more effectively manage weeds and protect the harvest of one of our most important oilseed crops.”
science-driven innovation
“The Clearfield mustard production system is a watershed moment for Indian agriculture, especially for our dedicated mustard farmers,” said Subroto Geed, South Asia President, Corteva Agriscience. “Corteva’s science-based innovation within Clearfield Mustard provides a powerful solution. It sets a new standard for profitable mustard cultivation for farmers, equipping them with better tools for their success and India’s food security.”
Published on February 18, 2026
