India remains significantly dependent on imports to meet its pulses demand. Examine the key challenges in achieving self-reliance in pulses. Also, mention the major government initiatives taken in this regard.

Additional details on pulses self-reliance: Challenges continued: (6) Kreis procurement under MSP regime despite far, Ashar in it - 80% wheat procured (7) Less awareness about its multifarious benefits: a) Nitrogen fixation b) High international demand c) Climate resilience Government initiatives: (1) Recent budget announced 5 year mission for pulses to boost productivity as well as area under it (2) MSP enhancement - promote at high state for remunerative farming (3) Cluster based approach - focus on rainfed areas such as Karnataka, Maharashtra etc. (4) State govt initiatives - Maharashtra, largest producer of its (5) Financial incentives to farmers (6) R&D support - for 9M, +UV etc