New Delhi, 14 July (NNS): Here, the prices of black pepper markara held firm at Rs 705 per kg owing to the sluggish buying from the stockists at the higher level. Recently, the prices have gone up by Rs 5/10 per kg. The arrivals and the prices held stable at the same level of the previous day in Kochi. The market sentiments may affect because of the unfavourable weather conditions. The spot black pepper prices will likely to remain strong during the near future.