Mumbai, Oct. 11 -- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday held a meeting with the central team that had arrived to assess the drought situation, urging the Centre to provide increased financial assistance as the agricultural sector faces a major crisis.

The meeting was attended by Ministers Girish Mahajan, Dattatray Bharne and Makarand Patil, along with the head of the central drought inspection team, Central Joint Secretary Muktanand Agarwal, and other team members.

During their inspection, the central team observed a decline in cotton and soybean production in the state, while the tur (pigeon pea) crop had also been affected. The drought had additionally impacted water sources. The team members briefed the Chief Minist...