Union Agriculture Minister's Brazil Visit

 

Analysis: Union Agriculture Minister's Brazil Visit

Prepared by EduPush Pathshala | Date: April 24, 2025

Executive Summary

Union Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan's recent visit to Brazil (April 2025) marks a significant diplomatic and agricultural initiative. The visit encompassed participation in the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers' Meeting and bilateral meetings with Brazilian agricultural ministers. The primary focus was on strengthening agricultural cooperation, technology transfer, and innovation between India and Brazil, with special emphasis on soybean production, mechanization, and sustainable farming practices.

1. Key Objectives and Outcomes of the Visit

1

BRICS Agricultural Cooperation

Participation in the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers' Meeting in Brasilia, focusing on "Promoting inclusive and sustainable agriculture through cooperation, innovation and equitable trade among BRICS countries."

2

Bilateral Agricultural Relations

Strengthening India-Brazil agricultural cooperation through meetings with Brazil's Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Henrique Baquetta Favero and Minister of Agricultural Development and Family Agriculture, Luiz Paulo Teixeira.

3

Technology Transfer

Exploring Brazilian agricultural technologies, particularly in soybean production, mechanization, precision farming, and sustainable practices for implementation in Indian agriculture.

4

Trade Enhancement

Discussing possibilities to boost agricultural trade between the two countries, with special focus on soybean production and processing to reduce India's dependency on imported soybean oil.

"During my stay in Brazil, I got the opportunities to enrich myself with various experiences and techniques. We will utilize these technologies to increase production in India. I am confident that the mutual cooperation between India and Brazil will empower our farmers and give a new direction to global food security." - Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Strategic Significance

This visit represents more than routine diplomatic engagement—it's a strategic initiative to tap into Brazil's agricultural expertise. Brazil has transformed itself from a net food importer to one of the world's largest agricultural exporters over the past 50 years, making it an ideal partner for India's agricultural ambitions. The focus on soybean is particularly notable as India currently imports significant quantities of soybean oil, creating an opportunity to build domestic production capacity with Brazilian expertise.

2. BRICS Agricultural Cooperation

2.1 Meeting Participants and Theme

The 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers' Meeting was attended by Agriculture Ministers and senior officials from:

• Original BRICS members: India, Brazil (host), Russia, China, and South Africa
• New BRICS members: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran

The central theme focused on "Promoting inclusive and sustainable agriculture through cooperation, innovation and equitable trade among BRICS countries."

2.2 India's Position at BRICS

Shri Chouhan's address on behalf of India emphasized several key points:

• Global food security as a shared responsibility
• Empowerment of small farmers as essential for agricultural sustainability
• Agricultural innovation and technological cooperation among member nations
• Advancing partnerships with BRICS countries with the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family)
• Call for enhanced cooperation in agricultural technology transfer, research, food processing, and trade

BRICS Agricultural Alliance Analysis

India's focus on small farmers at the BRICS forum is strategically important given that approximately 86% of Indian farmers are small and marginal farmers with less than 2 hectares of land. By advocating for small farmer protection and empowerment in this international forum, India is ensuring that global agricultural cooperation frameworks remain relevant to its domestic agricultural structure.

The expanded BRICS grouping (now including Middle Eastern and African nations) represents a significant portion of global agricultural production and consumption.

Potential Impact for India

Soybean Production: Knowledge sharing on climate-friendly varieties, production technologies, and processing. Reduce dependency on imported soybean oil; boost domestic production and potential exports

Agricultural Mechanisation: Technology transfer for farm machinery adapted to different scales of farming. Increase productivity and efficiency; reduce labour dependency

Precision Farming: Implementation of data-driven agricultural practices. Optimise resource use and increase yield per hectare

Biofuel & Bioenergy: Technology for converting agricultural waste to energy. Address stubble burning issues; create additional income sources for farmers. 

Supply Chain Integration: Post-harvest management and market connectivity. Reduce wastage; better price realisation for farmers.

Seed Research: Development of climate-resilient crop varieties. Enhance crop resistance to climate variations and extreme weather events.

3.2 Bilateral Meetings and Industry Engagement

During his visit, Shri Chouhan held significant discussions with:

• Brazil's Minister of Agriculture and Livestock
• Brazil's Minister of Agricultural Development and Family Agriculture
• 27 members of Brazil's agribusiness community in São Paulo

These meetings explored cooperation in agricultural trade, production technology, food processing, biofuel, technological innovation, and supply chain integration.

3.3 Technological Observations

The Minister visited multiple agricultural facilities in Brazil:

• Soybean production plants to observe processing technologies
• Tomato farms to study modern farming techniques
• Various institutes showcasing advanced mechanization, irrigation, and food processing technologies

Bilateral Cooperation Analysis

Brazil's agricultural transformation offers a relevant model for India as both countries share some similar challenges: large populations, diverse agro-climatic conditions, and the need to balance productivity with sustainability. Brazil has successfully addressed many of these challenges through technological innovation and policy reforms.

The focus on soybean is particularly strategic as India is currently a major importer of soybean oil. Developing domestic production with Brazilian expertise could significantly improve India's oilseed self-sufficiency and potentially save foreign exchange spent on imports.

4. Potential Benefits for Indian Agriculture

4.1 Technology Transfer

Access to Brazilian agricultural technologies could help Indian farmers in multiple ways:

• Improved productivity through mechanization suitable for different farm sizes
• Enhanced resource efficiency through precision farming techniques
• Better crop varieties through collaborative research
• Improved post-harvest management and processing technologies

4.2 Trade Opportunities

Enhanced agricultural cooperation could open new trade avenues:

• Potential to develop India as a soybean exporter rather than an importer of soybean oil
• Access to BRICS markets for Indian agricultural products
• Diversification of agricultural exports beyond traditional commodities

4.3 Sustainability Practices

Learning from Brazil's experience in sustainable agriculture:

• Balancing agricultural expansion with environmental conservation
• Climate-resilient farming practices
• Efficient water management techniques for drought-prone areas

Transformative Potential

If successfully implemented, the knowledge and technology transfer from Brazil could contribute significantly to India's agricultural productivity and sustainability goals. The potential establishment of soybean production and processing plants with Brazilian collaboration represents a concrete step toward import substitution and increased farmer incomes.

The emphasis on mechanization and precision farming is particularly relevant given India's agricultural labor challenges and the need to optimize increasingly scarce resources like water and arable land.

5. Cultural and Diplomatic Dimensions

5.1 Environmental Initiative

Minister Chouhan continued his daily tradition of planting a sapling even while in Brazil, participating in the tree plantation drive at the Indian Embassy in Brasilia under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' (One Tree in Mother's Name) initiative. This symbolic act demonstrated India's commitment to environmental protection while also showcasing cultural continuity during international engagements.

5.2 Diaspora Engagement

The Minister met with the Indian diaspora in São Paulo, recognizing their role in strengthening bilateral relations between India and Brazil. He shared India's vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047 (marking 100 years of independence) under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, referring to the current period as "Amrit Kaal" of independence.

Soft Power Dynamics

These cultural and community engagements represent important soft power elements of the visit. By connecting with the Indian diaspora and continuing cultural practices like the tree plantation initiative, the Minister helped strengthen people-to-people ties while promoting Indian cultural values internationally.

The framing of agricultural cooperation within India's broader "Amrit Kaal" vision and development goals helps position these international initiatives within a coherent national narrative of progress toward developed nation status.

6. Strategic Analysis and Future Prospects

6.1 Strategic Context

This visit occurs within a broader context of India's efforts to:

• Strengthen South-South cooperation in agriculture and food security
• Diversify international partnerships beyond traditional allies
• Address domestic agricultural challenges through international knowledge transfer
• Position India as a responsible global stakeholder in food security discussions

6.2 Challenges and Limitations

Several factors could affect the implementation of initiatives discussed during the visit:

• Differences in agro-climatic conditions between Brazil and India requiring adaptation of technologies
• India's predominantly small farm holdings versus Brazil's larger commercial farms
• Regulatory and policy harmonization needed for effective technology transfer
• Investment requirements for modernizing agricultural infrastructure

6.3 Recommendations for Implementation

• Establish dedicated institutional mechanisms to facilitate technology transfer from Brazil
• Create pilot demonstration projects showcasing Brazilian agricultural technologies adapted to Indian conditions
• Develop specialized training programs for Indian agricultural scientists, extension workers, and progressive farmers
• Formulate favorable policy frameworks for joint ventures in agricultural processing and machinery
• Focus initial efforts on regions with conditions similar to successful Brazilian agricultural zones

Long-term Strategic Implications

This visit represents a significant step in India's strategic approach to agricultural development through international partnerships. Brazil's successful agricultural transformation over the past decades offers valuable lessons for India's own agricultural ambitions.

The emphasis on small farmers throughout the Minister's engagements indicates a commitment to ensuring that international cooperation benefits the most vulnerable agricultural stakeholders in India. This aligns with the government's broader commitment to inclusive development.

If successfully implemented, the initiatives discussed during this visit could contribute significantly to India's goals of agricultural self-sufficiency, farmer income enhancement, and environmental sustainability in agriculture.

7. Conclusion

Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan's visit to Brazil represents a significant diplomatic and agricultural initiative with potential long-term benefits for Indian agriculture. The visit focused on strengthening agricultural cooperation, technology transfer, and innovation between India and Brazil, with special emphasis on soybean production, mechanization, and sustainable farming practices.

Key outcomes and prospects include:

• Enhanced cooperation with BRICS nations on agricultural technology, research, and trade
• Potential for technology transfer in soybean production, mechanization, and precision farming
• Opportunities to reduce dependency on imported soybean oil through domestic production enhancement
• Stronger bilateral agricultural relations between India and Brazil
• Focus on sustainable and inclusive agricultural practices benefiting small farmers

The success of initiatives discussed during this visit will depend on effective follow-up mechanisms, appropriate adaptation of Brazilian technologies to Indian conditions, and supportive policy frameworks. If implemented effectively, these initiatives could contribute significantly to India's agricultural productivity, sustainability, and farmer welfare goals.

India’s youth suicide crisis

 

   

  India faces a growing mental health emergency among its young people, especially students. Every day, young lives are lost to suicide, and the numbers are alarming. The article highlights that this isn’t just a personal tragedy—it’s a national crisis demanding urgent action.

The Scale of the Problem

In 2022, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported 13,089 student suicides, a 4.5% increase from 2020. This means over 35 students die by suicide daily. A UNICEF report adds that 14% of Indian youths regularly feel depressed, but most don’t seek help due to shame or stigma. These numbers reveal a harsh truth: young people, the heart of India’s future, are struggling silently. Recent cases, like a girl in Delhi (April 4, 2025) forced into marriage, a BSc student in Jaunpur (April 1, 2025) distressed after a call, and a 19-year-old IIIT student (March 31, 2025) overwhelmed by studies, show this crisis spans cities and reasons.

Why Is This Happening?

Several factors push young people to this edge:

1. Academic Pressure: India’s education system is fiercely competitive. Exams like NEET and JEE create immense stress. The coaching culture, especially in places like Kota, turns learning into a high-stakes battle. Failure feels like the end of the world. For instance, 1.2% of student suicides in 2022 were linked to exam failure.
2. Societal Expectations: Society demands success—good grades, prestigious colleges, and high-paying jobs. Parents, often busy or stressed, may unknowingly add pressure. The article mentions a Delhi girl’s suicide due to forced marriage, showing how family expectations can overwhelm.
3. Lack of Mental Health Support: Schools rarely have trained counselors. Mental health is taboo; discussing it feels shameful. Only 41% of youths aged 15–24 feel comfortable seeking help, per UNICEF. This stigma isolates students.
4. Cyberbullying and Social Media: Online harassment and constant comparison on social media deepen feelings of inadequacy. The article notes cyberbullying as a key driver.
5. Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic disrupted routines, isolated students, and increased family stress, worsening mental health.

These factors create a perfect storm. Students feel trapped, with no one to turn to.

Real Stories Highlight the Crisis

The article shares heartbreaking cases from 2025:

• A Chandigarh youth (March 31) died without leaving a note, hinting at silent struggles.
• A Jaunpur student ended her life after a distressing call, showing how personal relationships add stress.
• An IIIT student couldn’t cope with academic demands, reflecting the education system’s toll.

These aren’t just headlines—they’re warnings. The crisis touches Delhi, Kolkata, Chandigarh, and beyond.

Why Is This a National Emergency?

Student suicides now outnumber farmer suicides, a crisis long recognized as urgent. Children as young as 12 are taking their lives. Over the past decade, male student suicides rose by 50%, and female suicides by 61%, with a 5% annual increase. This isn’t just a mental health issue—it’s a social, economic, and policy failure. India’s youth, its demographic dividend, are at risk.

What Can We Do? Solutions to Act On

The article and web sources suggest a multi-pronged approach to tackle this crisis. Here’s what needs to happen:

1. Make Schools Safe Havens:
   • Hire Trained Counselors: Every school needs full-time counselors skilled in child psychology. Currently, only 3% of Kota students access mental health professionals.
   • Add Mental Health Programs: Include stress management, mindfulness, and peer support in extracurriculars. For example, the IC3 Movement pushes for mental health education in curricula.
   • Enforce Anti-Bullying Rules: Strict policies against ragging and cyberbullying can protect students.
2. Empower Parents and Teachers:
   • Train Teachers: Equip them to spot distress signs and create supportive classrooms.
   • Educate Parents: Encourage open communication and positive reinforcement, not pressure. Dr. Sneha Sharma suggests parents listen and validate emotions.
   • Reduce Expectations: Redefine success beyond grades or careers like engineering.
3. Break the Stigma:
   • Normalize Seeking Help: Campaigns like “My Mind Matters” and helplines by AASRA promote open mental health talks. Regular mental health check-ups should be as normal as physical ones.
   • Use Media Wisely: Responsible reporting, like the ‘Papageno’ effect, can inspire hope by sharing stories of coping, not glorifying suicide.
4. Reform Education:
   • Shift from Exams to Skills: The New Education Policy (NEP) aims for holistic learning, but implementation lags. Move away from rote learning to creativity and emotional well-being.
   • Reduce Exam Stress: Offer multiple exam attempts and alternative assessments, as suggested by Ganesh Kohli.
5. Strengthen Government Policies:
   • Implement the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS): Launched in 2022, it targets a 10% suicide rate reduction by 2030. It includes TeleMANAS for mental health support and better surveillance.
   • Increase Funding: India spends only 0.06% of its health budget on mental health, less than Bangladesh. More funds are needed for counselors and helplines.
   • Supreme Court’s Task Force: In 2025, the Supreme Court formed a National Task Force to address student suicides, pushing for a robust mental health framework.
6. Build Community Support:
   • Peer Networks: Student-led initiatives like MindCanvas advocate for accessible counseling.
   • NGOs and Helplines: Organizations like Sneha Foundation offer lifelines for those in crisis.
   • Healthy Lifestyles: Promote yoga, meditation, and supportive friendships to boost resilience.

Why This Matters for UPSC Aspirants

As a UPSC aspirant, you’ll tackle questions on social issues, governance, and policy. This crisis connects to multiple syllabus areas:

• GS Paper 1 (Society): Understand societal pressures, stigma, and youth demographics.
• GS Paper 2 (Governance): Analyze policies like NSPS, NEP, and the Supreme Court’s role.
• GS Paper 4 (Ethics): Reflect on empathy, compassion, and societal responsibility.
• Essay: Mental health as a public health crisis is a potential topic.

The crisis also mirrors your own journey. The pressure of UPSC preparation can feel overwhelming. Recognizing the need for mental health support can help you and others stay resilient.

A Call to Action

India’s youth suicide crisis isn’t just a statistic—it’s a wake-up call. From Delhi’s schools to Kota’s coaching hubs, young people need support, not pressure. Schools must nurture, not stress. Parents must listen, not demand. Society must embrace mental health talks. The government must act swiftly on policies. Every stakeholder—teachers, students, policymakers—has a role. By replacing fear with compassion, India can save its youth and secure its future.

PIB NOTES 8th APRIL 2025

 

 

City Key of Honour

​On April 7, 2025, India's President, Smt Droupadi Murmu, received the 'City Key of Honour' from the Mayor of Lisbon, Portugal, at a ceremony in Lisbon's City Hall.  

 Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY)

On April 8, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the 10th anniversary of Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) by congratulating its beneficiaries.

The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) is a scheme launched by the Government of India on April 8, 2015, to provide financial support to small businesses and entrepreneurs. The term "MUDRA" stands for Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency. This initiative aims to offer loans up to ₹10 lakh to non-corporate, non-farm small and micro enterprises engaged in income-generating activities.

Objectives of PMMY:

1. Funding the Unfunded: Many small business owners, like artisans, shopkeepers, and service providers, often lack access to formal banking services. PMMY aims to bridge this gap by providing them with necessary financial assistance.
2. Promoting Entrepreneurship: By offering financial support, the scheme encourages individuals to start or expand their businesses, leading to self-employment and job creation.

Loan Categories under PMMY:

The scheme offers three types of loans, catering to different stages of business development:

1. Shishu (Infant): Loans up to ₹50,000 for entrepreneurs who are just starting their businesses.
2. Kishore (Adolescent): Loans ranging from ₹50,001 to ₹5 lakh for business owners looking to expand their existing operations.
3. Tarun (Young Adult): Loans between ₹5,00,001 and ₹10 lakh for well-established businesses aiming for further growth.

New Category introduced

• Tarun Plus: Loans above ₹10 lakh and up to ₹20 lakh, specifically for entrepreneurs who have successfully repaid previous loans under the Tarun category. 

Example:

Imagine Priya, a tailor who runs a small shop in her village. She wants to buy new sewing machines to increase her production but lacks the funds. Through PMMY, Priya can apply for a Shishu loan to purchase the equipment. As her business grows and she plans to open another shop, she can seek a Kishore loan for expansion.

Key Features of PMMY:

• No Collateral Required: Borrowers are not required to provide any security or collateral to avail of these loans.
• No Processing Charges: Banks do not levy any processing fees for these loans, making them more accessible to small entrepreneurs.
• Flexible Repayment Terms: The repayment period varies based on the loan amount and the borrower's ability to repay, ensuring ease of repayment.

Who Can Apply?

Individuals engaged in income-generating activities in sectors like manufacturing, trading, and services can apply. This includes:

• Shopkeepers
• Artisans
• Food processors
• Repair shops
• Small-scale industries

To apply, entrepreneurs can approach banks, microfinance institutions, or non-banking financial companies that are part of the PMMY network.

Impact of PMMY:

Since its inception, PMMY has significantly contributed to the growth of micro and small enterprises in India. By March 2024, over 487.8 million loans worth ₹29.79 trillion had been sanctioned, empowering countless entrepreneurs and boosting the economy.

In summary, the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana serves as a vital support system for small business owners, providing them with the financial resources needed to start and expand their ventures, thereby fostering economic development and employment generation in the country.

Niveshak Didi

The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), part of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, and India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), under the Department of Posts, have partnered to launch the second phase of the “Niveshak Didi” initiative. This program aims to improve financial literacy among women in rural, semi-urban, and underserved areas by training local women to become financial educators.

Understanding the Initiative:

• What is "Niveshak Didi"?
• "Niveshak Didi" translates to "Investment Sister." In this initiative, women postal workers and community leaders are trained to educate other women in their communities about managing money, saving, investing wisely, and avoiding financial fraud.

Achievements of Phase 1:

• In the first phase, over 55,000 people attended financial literacy camps organized by IPPB across India. Approximately 60% of these participants were women, mainly young and economically active. Notably, two-thirds of the attendees were from deep rural areas, ensuring that financial education reached the grassroots level.

Plans for Phase 2:

• Building on the success of Phase 1, the second phase plans to:
• Conduct over 4,000 financial literacy camps nationwide.
• Train nearly 40,000 women postal workers as "Niveshak Didis" to lead these sessions.
• Cover topics such as responsible investing, fraud awareness, savings habits, and using digital banking tools.

About the Organizations:

Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA):

A statutory body under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, IEPFA aims to ensure that investors across the country are informed and protected. It promotes financial literacy, helping individuals understand personal finance management, from budgeting and saving to making informed investment decisions.

India Post Payments Bank (IPPB):

Established under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communication, IPPB was launched on September 1, 2018, with the vision to build the most accessible, affordable, and trusted bank for the common man in India. It leverages the extensive postal network to reach unbanked and underbanked populations, delivering simple and affordable banking solutions through intuitive interfaces available in multiple languages.

In summary, the "Niveshak Didi" initiative is a significant step toward empowering rural women in India with essential financial knowledge, enabling them to make informed decisions and contribute to the economic well-being of their families and communities.

Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has introduced the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme to boost India's role as a global center for electronics production.  

Growth in Electronics Exports:

• In the last financial year, smartphone exports exceeded ₹2 lakh crore, with iPhone exports alone contributing approximately ₹1.5 lakh crore.
• Over the past decade, electronics production has increased five times, and exports have grown more than six times.

Phases of Electronics Manufacturing in India:

1. Finished Goods: Initially, India focused on assembling complete electronic products.
2. Sub-Assemblies: Next, the country began producing parts of electronic products.
3. Component Manufacturing: Currently, India is advancing into manufacturing individual electronic components, adding more value and promoting self-reliance.

Scheme Highlights:

• Broad Application: The scheme benefits various sectors, including consumer electronics, medical devices, automobiles, power electronics, and electrical grids.
• Focus on Passive Components: It emphasizes producing passive electronic components like resistors, capacitors, and connectors. Active components are addressed separately under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
• Support for Equipment Manufacturing: The scheme also supports designing and manufacturing equipment used in electronics production, encouraging investments from companies like Applied Materials and Lam Research.

Incentive Structures:

1. Turnover-Linked Incentive: Rewards based on the company's sales.
2. Capex-Linked Incentive: Support tied to the company's capital expenditures.
3. Hybrid Incentive Model: A combination of both turnover and capital expenditure incentives.

A key requirement for all applicants is job creation, ensuring that the scheme contributes to employment growth in India.

This initiative reflects the government's commitment to fostering a robust electronics manufacturing ecosystem, promoting self-reliance, and generating employment opportunities in the country.

iCAST-25

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Government of Himachal Pradesh jointly organized a two-day workshop named iCAST-25 (Integrated Cyber Advanced Security Techniques-2025). This event took place on April 3-4, 2025, at the Police Headquarters in Shimla, aiming to improve cyber security among state police leaders.

Purpose of the Workshop:

The workshop's main goal was to strengthen the ability of government officers to handle and reduce cyber threats effectively. As digital technologies become more common, the risk of cyber attacks increases, making it essential for officials to be well-prepared.

Role of NeGD:

The National e-Governance Division (NeGD), under MeitY, has been conducting capacity-building workshops nationwide. These workshops aim to empower state leaders, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), and officials with practical training and best practices for managing cyber threats. This initiative supports the Government of India's mission to create a cyber-resilient public sector, ensuring robust digital infrastructure and secure e-governance services across states.

In summary, the iCAST-25 workshop represents a proactive step by the Himachal Pradesh government, in collaboration with MeitY, to enhance the cyber security capabilities of its officials, thereby safeguarding the state's digital assets and ensuring the safe delivery of e-governance services.

Developing Ecosystem for Assistive Technology in India

NITI Aayog, in partnership with the Government of Maharashtra, organized a one-day workshop titled "Developing Ecosystem for Assistive Technology in India" on April 9, 2025, at YASHADA, Pune. The workshop aimed to enhance the environment for assistive technology (AT) in the country. Assistive technology includes devices and products designed to help individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions perform daily activities more easily. Examples of AT are wheelchairs, hearing aids, and screen readers for the visually impaired.