How does rain during the harvest season impact cotton?

Rain during the harvest season negatively impacts cotton primarily because it can impede harvesting operations and degrade the quality of the fiber. When rain falls on cotton, it can lead to increased moisture content in the bolls, making it more difficult to harvest. Wet conditions often result in machinery being less effective or inoperable, potentially causing delays and increasing the labor required to complete the harvest.

Moreover, rain can cause the cotton fibers to absorb moisture, leading to issues such as mold and fungus development. This not only affects the fiber's physical properties but can also result in discoloration and reduced strength. Consequently, the market value of the cotton can decrease due to these quality concerns. Therefore, the impact of rain during the harvest season is largely adverse, primarily influencing both the efficiency of the harvest process and the quality of the final product.