To diversify grain, modified touch is needed (6,3)

I believe the answer is:

branch out

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'to diversify' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'grain modified touch is needed' is the wordplay.
'grain' becomes 'bran' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'modified' indicates anagramming the letters.
'is needed' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'touch' is an anagram of 'chout'.
'bran'+'chout'='BRANCH OUT'

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(Other definitions for branch out that I've seen before include "Take up new things" , "Expand" , "diversify" , "Extend activities in new direction" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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