ASericulture
BVermiculture
CSilviculture
DApiculture
Answer:
D. Apiculture
Read Explanation:
Apiculture
The scientific rearing and management of honey bees is known as Apiculture or Bee-keeping.
Purpose: This practice is primarily aimed at the production of honey, beeswax, propolis, royal jelly, and bee pollen, as well as for pollination services in agriculture.
Common Species Used:
Apis mellifera: The European or Western honey bee, most widely used globally.
Apis cerana indica: The Indian hive bee, commonly domesticated in Kerala and other parts of India.
Apis dorsata: Known as the Rock bee; it is the largest species but difficult to domesticate.
Apis florea: The Little bee; it builds small, single combs.
Key Components of an Apiary:
Beehive: The structure where bees are housed. The Newton Beehive is a popular model used in India.
Queen Bee: The reproductive female, essential for colony growth.
Worker Bees: Sterile females that perform tasks like foraging, hive maintenance, and feeding larvae.
Drones: Male bees whose primary function is to mate with the queen.
Economic Importance:
Pollination: Honey bees are critical pollinators for various crops, significantly increasing yield and quality.
Value-added Products: Apart from honey, beeswax is utilized in cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, while Royal Jelly is known for its high nutritional value