Care must be taken not to damage the seed, especially the kabuli type. Chick peas can be stored at 15 percent or less moisture. Chick peas may test dry after harvest, but it takes some time for the moisture in the large seed to equalize across the entire seed. Producers should break open a number of seeds to determine if the interior is as dry as the exterior. The center of the seed will snap if it is really dry.
Aeration is needed to prevent the development of mould.
The use of conveyors instead of augers when handling chick peas, will reduce mechanical damage. Kabuli chick pea colour is important because buyers prefer a yellowish-cream colour. Slight bleaching can occur in the swath. About 1 percent immature colour seed is allowed before deductions are implemented. Early fall frost can result in green discoloration of immature kabuli chick pea seed, which will reduce the value of the crop.