A leading Japanese fast-food chain looking to save money on ingredients is moving its farming operations to a place where many have moved out.

Yoshinoya has announced that it will produce the ingredients for its beef bowls in Fukushima, home to a nuclear plant that has suffered a series of leaks after a devastating tsunami struck Japan in 2011.

The chain’s owner, Yoshinoya Holdings, said it set up a joint venture with local farmers to grow rice, onions and cabbage 50 miles from the plant, News.com.au reports.

"We believe this will lead to support for reconstruction," the company said.

Tens of thousands of people are still unable to return to their homes around the damaged nuclear plant.

Most of Fukushima has been unaffected by the disaster, but farmers have said prices for their produce have been plunging, News.com.au reports.

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