Initial combine settings should be similar to those for dry peas, however an increased cylinder or rotor speed, compared to combining lentils or dry peas, may be required to remove the seed from the pod. Care must be taken not to damage the seed, especially the kabuli type. 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 must snap before 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. Early fall frost can result in green discolouration of immature kabuli chick pea seed, which will reduce the value of the crop. Other important factors affecting visual quality are levels of admixture, seed size and seed uniformity.