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.

India is the largest producer as well as the importer of pulses in the world. Key challenges in achieving self-reliance in pulses: (1) Low productivity of agriculture despite fertilizer usage - Fertilizer to cropatio output ratio is 20% while actual output is 14%. (2) High pest harvest losses in the wake of diseases and rotting. (3) Less pesticide response rate - Chickpea (24-25) ligibilated only 1% uses to hit the actual yield.