What is the term for the practice of raising bees for honey production?

The practice of raising bees for honey production is referred to as apiculture. This term specifically denotes the cultivation of bees for the purpose of harvesting their products, such as honey and beeswax, and managing bee populations to ensure healthy colonies. Apiculture encompasses various techniques for maintaining hives, ensuring bee health, and optimizing honey yield.

In contrast, apiology would focus on the study of bees themselves rather than the practice of raising them. Agriculture is a broader term that refers to the cultivation of crops and livestock, which does not specifically pertain to bees. Sericulture, on the other hand, refers to the cultivation of silkworms for silk production, which is entirely distinct from beekeeping practices. Thus, apiculture is the most accurate terminology for the practice in question, reinforcing its specialized nature within the broader context of animal husbandry and agricultural practices.