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Vegetable growers in Fukushima are using geiger counters to dispel radiation concerns among Tokyo consumers. The government has banned shipments of 60 locally grown farm products after high levels of radioactivity were reported in the region.

Vegetable growers from the prefecture closest to Japan's stricken nuclear reactors were out in force in Tokyo on Friday with geiger counters. They're trying to dispel fears among Tokyo shoppers of radioactive produce in the region.

[Shuji Yamada, Organizer]:
"We've decided ourselves to use a geiger counter, though the numbers can't really be considered official readings. However it does help alleviate shoppers' fears over the vegetables and help us sell our goods."

The Japanese government banned shipments of about 60 locally grown farm products in Fukushima and Ibaraki prefectures including spinach, broccoli and raw milk after high levels of radioactivity earlier last week.

But consumers in cities like Tokyo have started to fear all produce from the prefecture.

While the radiation readings were not official, they seemed to help consumers reduce their immediate fears.

[Miwa Kobari, Shopper]:
"It's great that these farmers and locals are fighting back despite the nuclear plant and rumors."

[Ayuchi Yamanouchi, Tokyo Resident]:
"I am indeed worried, but if we don't buy their produce the economy will stop running properly and buying their goods is a form of reconstruction assistance to them."

The earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on March 11 has destroyed the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, causing concerns over rising radioactive levels.