Fukushima Rice is Safe For the First Time Since Nuclear Disaster

Japanese rice farmers have finally been able to plant their first crop of rice since the nuclear meltdown six years ago.

Three nuclear reactors in Fukushima were hit by an earthquake in March 2011, reportedly creating the worst nuclear accident since the incident in Chernobyl.

The evacuation order was listed in March, however, allowing farmers to start sowing rice on about 17 acres of land. Though the allotted farming area is only a fraction of the 1,700 acres used before the meltdown, rice farmers are reportedly excited to get back to work.

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The regional government is also supporting the resuscitated area by launching several initiatives that will help build stronger infrastructure around the fields development.

The harvested rice will be tested for radiation before being shipped off to consumers, but the crops have shown no sign of radiation since experimental crop testing first began in the year following the disaster, according to the Japan Times.

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