Apiculture is the correct answer.

Explanation:
Apiculture refers to the rearing and management of honey bees on a large scale. It involves the cultivation of bees for their honey, beeswax, royal jelly, propolis, and other products. Apiculture is an important agricultural practice that has been carried out for centuries.

- Importance of Apiculture:
- Honey Production: One of the main reasons for rearing honey bees is to obtain honey. Honey is a natural sweetener and has various health benefits. It is used as a food, sweetener, and in the production of various food products.
- Pollination: Bees play a crucial role in pollination, which is the process of transferring pollen from the male reproductive parts to the female reproductive parts of flowering plants. This helps in the reproduction and production of fruits, vegetables, and seeds. Many crops rely on bees for pollination, making apiculture essential for agricultural productivity.
- Bee Products: Apart from honey, beeswax, royal jelly, and propolis are other products obtained from bees. Beeswax is used in cosmetics, candles, and pharmaceuticals. Royal jelly is a nutrient-rich substance used in the production of health supplements. Propolis has antimicrobial properties and is used in various medicinal and cosmetic products.
- Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services: Bees also contribute to biodiversity and ecosystem services. They help in the maintenance of plant diversity and provide habitat for other organisms. Bees are also indicators of environmental health and play a crucial role in the functioning of ecosystems.

- Beekeeping Practices:
- Beehives: Beekeepers provide artificial hives or beehives to honey bees for their shelter and management. These hives are designed to facilitate honey production and beekeeping activities.
- Hive Management: Beekeepers need to regularly inspect the hives, monitor the health of the bees, and take necessary measures to prevent diseases and pests. They may also provide supplementary feeding to the bees during periods of nectar scarcity.
- Harvesting Honey: Honey is harvested by removing the honeycombs from the hive, separating the honey from the wax, and packaging it for sale or consumption. Beekeepers need to ensure that the bees have sufficient honey reserves for their own survival during the winter season.

In conclusion, apiculture is the practice of rearing honey bees on a large scale for honey production, pollination, and other bee products. It is an important agricultural activity that contributes to food production, biodiversity, and ecosystem services.