- Clearfield® Production System is a market leading non-transgenic herbicide tolerant crop system developed by BASF and made accessible to Indian mustard farmers in collaboration with Corteva Agriscience as a seed partner.
Jaipur, India – February 18, 2026: BASF India, in strategic partnership with Corteva Agriscience India, proudly unveils the new Clearfield production system for Mustard crop. This innovative, non-GM crop system is herbicide-tolerant and aims to improve mustard cultivation through better weed control and higher yields.
With an output exceeding 4 million tonnes, mustard plays a pivotal role as the largest contributor among edible oil-yielding crops. Indian farmers cultivate over 8 million hectares each year and face major challenges from parasitic weeds like Orobanche, which can cause yield losses of up to 50%. Severe infestations may even lead to total crop failure. Effective weed management is essential for maintaining crop output and ensuring self-reliance in edible oils.
The Clearfield Technology, including the Kifix® herbicide, is a proprietary innovation of BASF, known for delivering broad-spectrum and selective control against difficult weeds such as Orobanche. At its core, the system integrates Corteva Agriscience’s advanced & high-yielding genetics, with BASF Clearfield herbicide-tolerant trait. The mustard seeds developed with the Clearfield trait are non-transgenic and non-genetically modified, achieved through conventional plant-breeding techniques.
Speaking on the occasion of this launch, Dr. Kirodi Lal Meena- Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture stated, “Rajasthan is a vital mustard production hub in India. Our farmers face immense pressure from pests and weeds like Orobanche. The Clearfield Mustard Production System from Corteva and BASF is a welcome innovation. It promises relief and prosperity for our mustard growers, enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring stable output, and safeguarding farmer livelihoods.”
“BASF is truly delighted to launch the Clearfield Production System for our Mustard farmers in India. Farming is the biggest job on earth, this moment represents years of commitment to our farmers and to the future of Indian agriculture,” said Giridhar Ranuva, Director, BASF Agricultural Solutions India. “I would like to sincerely thank all stakeholders associated with the project for their trust and partnership. Your support makes it possible for all of us to bring forward technologies that genuinely make a difference—helping farmers manage weeds more effectively and protect the harvests of one of our most important oilseed crops.”
”The Clearfield Mustard Production System marks a pivotal moment for Indian agriculture, particularly for our dedicated mustard farmers,” said Subroto Geed, President, South Asia at Corteva Agriscience. “Corteva’s science-based innovation within Clearfield mustard provides a powerful solution. Its sets a new standard for profitable mustard cultivation, equipping farmers with superior tools for their success and India’s food security.”
For more information visit: Trait Technology | BASF Global
About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition is to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €65.3 billion in 2024. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at BASF – India
About BASF Agricultural Solutions
Everything we do, we do for the love of farming. Farming is fundamental to provide enough healthy and affordable food for a rapidly growing population, while reducing environmental impacts. That is why we work with partners and experts to integrate sustainability criteria into all business decisions. In 2024, BASF Agricultural Solutions invested €919 million in research and development and generated sales of €9.8 billion. Our purpose-designed solutions connect seeds and traits, crop protection, digital tools, and sustainability approaches to deliver value across the agricultural value chain. More information is available at Agriculture India
About Corteva Agriscience
Corteva, Inc. (NYSE: CTVA) is a global pure-play agriculture company that combines industry-leading innovation, high-touch customer engagement, and operational execution to deliver solutions for the world’s most pressing agriculture challenges. Corteva offers a balanced and globally diverse mix of seed, crop protection, and digital products and services, supported by a strong technology pipeline. The company is committed to maximizing productivity for farmers while enriching the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. More information can be found at Corteva Agriscience™