(Sejong=Yonhap News) Reporter Han Ju-hong = The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs projected on the 9th that the prices of Lunar New Year food items this year will remain stable at a similar level to last year, which will result in lower costs for setting up the Lunar New Year offerings. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs held a meeting chaired by Deputy Minister Kim Jong-gu at the Sejong Government Complex on the same day to review the progress of the Lunar New Year livelihood stabilization measures and to check the supply and demand trends. The meeting reviewed the supply and price trends of Lunar New Year food items. According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT), the average cost of setting up a Lunar New Year offering (for a family of four, 24 items) this year is 202,691 won, which is 0.3% lower compared to two weeks before Lunar New Year last year. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs explained that the prices of Lunar New Year food items are generally maintaining a similar level to last year, and as of six days before Lunar New Year, the supply of the top 10 Lunar New Year food items was 1.12 million tons, recording 111.5% against the daily supply plan, which is being smoothly achieved. Deputy Minister Kim said, "Although the current supply and demand situation is generally stable, there is a possibility of fluctuation due to changes in weather conditions such as cold waves and the occurrence of animal infectious diseases" and urged "to respond without any gaps in livestock management and disease control." juhong@yna.co.kr