By CGTN’s Terrence Terashima
Six years have passed since the Fukushima nuclear disaster on March 11, 2011. Many in the younger generation have opted not to return home as lingering radiation continues to plague the Fukushima area.
Many also fear that as government subsidies to local agriculture are expected to end within years, it would be difficult for Fukushima to support itself in the coming decades without the recovery of the agriculture, forestry and the fisheries industries.
For the farmers in Fukushima, harsh conditions will be likely to continue as they struggle to recover from the nuclear accident six years ago.
Except those in the coastal areas, damaged by tsunami, and areas still restricted with high levels of radiation, many farmers have recovered, producing a variety of products.
However, many people still are reluctant to sell or buy Fukushima products, due to concerns of residual radiation in the food, even those that have cleared radiation inspection.
Chikako Yaginuma sells fruits, vegetables and various Fukushima products every week in numerous parts of Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures -- hoping to spread awareness of safe Fukushima produce and remove misunderstanding.
"We are seeing slow improvements in vegetables, but those that have decided to avoid food products from Fukushima after the accident still are reluctant to buy them. We are hoping they will change their minds,” said Chikako Yaginuma.
According to the Fukushima government, prices of rice and beef are still 5 to 10 percent lower than the national average. Fukushima is the second largest producer of peaches in Japan, but its prices are 23 percent lower than average.
A survey showed that 16.6 percent of people are still reluctant to buy Fukushima products.
Agriculture production in Fukushima is at about 80 percent of what it used to be, prior to the nuclear accident. Experts say it will take a decade for the industry and the local economy to recover. But local residents will not feel any comfort, until the nuclear reactors have been decommissioned safely.
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