Lucknow, Oct. 8 -- Recent heavy rainfall and flood-like conditions in Lucknow and surrounding areas have hit local green vegetable crops, severely disrupting supply chains. According to Najmuddin Raini, president of the Bharatiya Kisan and Arhati Welfare Association at Dubagga Phal Sabzi Mandi, and Satya Prakash Tripathi, senior agricultural marketing inspector at Naveen Galla Mandi on Sitapur Road, arrivals of local produce at city mandis have plummeted by up to 50 percent. A 30 percent stock deficit persists compared to normal levels. Mandi officials warn that this sustained shortage will likely prevent prices from fully normalising for at least another 15 days. Local retailers, such as Ibrar from Narhi, say the volatility in the wholesale market is placing a heavy burden on consumers. Price trends show that bottle gourd which was selling at Rs 10 to 15 per kg in mandi two weeks ago, reached Rs 35 to 40 last week during peak rainfall and has now come down to Rs 20 to 25 per kg. In the retail market, bottle gourd was Rs 25 to 30 two weeks ago, jumped to Rs 70 to 80 last week and is now selling at Rs 40 to 50 per kg. Leafy greens like soya and fenugreek have been among the worst hit, as high moisture and rain lead to rapid rotting during transit. Combined retail prices for these greens soared from Rs 160/kg to a peak of Rs 240/kg last week; they remain high at Rs 200-210/kg despite a slight decline. In the case of capsicum, wholesale prices climbed from Rs 25-30/kg to Rs 45-50/kg before settling at Rs 35-40/kg. Retail prices increased from Rs 50-60/kg to a peak of Rs 90-100/kg, and are now trading at Rs 70-80/kg. Wholesale prices of lemon rose from Rs 100-120/kg to Rs 150/kg, but have now dropped to Rs 80/kg due to improved arrivals. Satya Prakash Tripathi noted that the local agricultural belt is currently failing to meet the demand for core staples....