Abstract

Apiculture and sericulture are vital sectors within modern agriculture, offering opportunities for rural development, economic prosperity and sustainability. Apiculture, or beekeeping, is the practice of managing honeybee colonies for the production of honey, beeswax, royal jelly, propolis and bee venom. The ecological role of bees, particularly in pollination, significantly impacts agricultural productivity, making apiculture indispensable for both local and global ecosystems. Similarly, sericulture, or silkworm rearing, is a labor-intensive process that involves cultivating silkworms for silk production. It supports rural economies, with India being the second-largest silk producer globally. This chapter explores the key practices in apiculture and sericulture, focusing on the rearing methods, species involved and their valuable by-products. However, both sectors face considerable challenges that hinder their growth and productivity. In apiculture, pests, diseases and environmental stresses like pesticide exposure can lead to colony collapse and reduced hive productivity. Sericulture faces issues such as silkworm diseases, including pebrine, muscardine, flacherie and grasserie, which undermine silkworm health and silk yield. Other challenges include fluctuations in mulberry leaf availability, labor shortages and fluctuating market dynamics. By addressing these challenges and incorporating innovations, stakeholders can maximize the potential of these sectors, ensuring their sustainable growth and contribution to modern agriculture.