- During medieval times, it became a key element of the textile trade, serving as the primary raw material for the production of clothing and other textiles.
- As its demand grew both domestically and internationally, particularly in Europe, cotton became an important cash crop for many regions.
- Farmers and planters shifted from subsistence agriculture to large-scale commercial farming, producing excess cotton for trade and generating significant income.
- The cash earned from cotton sales enabled farmers to purchase other goods and services, stimulating the local economy and facilitating the growth of trade networks.