Probiotic-based health food product developed by St Anthony’s graduates
Shillong, Oct 18: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has highlighted the significant growth achieved by the state, saying the state’s GSDP has grown from $4.4 billion in 2018 to $6.6 billion, a growth of $2.2 bn in seven years.
The state has set a target of propelling the GSDP to $10 billion (₹85,000 crore) by 2028, he reiterated while addressing the launch of a probiotic-based health food product developed by fresh graduates from St Anthony’s College here on Friday.
Launch of the product, PROBITES, was organised by St Anthony’s College Centre for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Incubation (SAC CEII) in collaboration with PRIME Meghalaya, and showcased a variety of student-led ventures and innovative products.
PROBITES was developed by SAC CEII alumni Banraplang Nongphud, Sachen M. Sangma, and Shanborlang Sunn (Graduate 2025, Department of Biochemistry).
Designed to be both nutritious and accessible, the product integrates scientific research with entrepreneurship and aims to promote wellness across the state.
In his address, the Chief Minister congratulated the PROBITES team for their innovation and encouraged them to continue leading Meghalaya’s young entrepreneurs toward success.
He commended the efforts of SAC CEII and St Anthony’s College and delivered a presentation highlighting the state’s economic growth and long-term vision.
Meanwhile, the chief minister outlined ten priority opportunities, including investment promotion, entrepreneurship, tourism, culture, heritage, agriculture, and urban transformation, while emphasizing inclusive growth through housing, connectivity, healthcare, drinking water, power supply, and quality education.
“While we grow as an economy and target $10 billion by 2028, we must commit ourselves as a government to ensuring that growth includes housing for all, connectivity and mobility, affordable healthcare, drinking water, power supply, and an empowered economy,” he said.
He also highlighted Meghalaya’s economic achievements over the past seven years, including the tripling of the state budget and significant externally aided projects. “Out of the 80% [loan from external agencies], only 10% is the share that we, as a state government, have to pay, while 90% is repaid by the Government of India. So, this is not really a loan,” he explained.
Speaking on employment, tourism, and skill development, he emphasized that tourism alone could create nearly 60,000 jobs by 2028, with programs like Skills Meghalaya and PRIME supporting thousands of youth. “We have broken down every sector to achieve the $10 billion economy,” he added.
The Chief Minister also highlighted women’s empowerment and socio-economic development, citing the expansion of Self-Help Groups from 5,800 in 2018 to 51,000 today. “We realized that a key solution to reducing maternal mortality is actually improving the economic productivity of women in our society,” he said.
On culture, arts, and youth engagement, he mentioned the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Program and initiatives in film, theatre, and sports. “Youngsters require activity and engagement. They need to be busy, and we felt that music, arts, and sports provide an excellent avenue,” he observed.
He underlined the importance of IT and entrepreneurship for Meghalaya’s future, citing collaboration with Nvidia for AI and quantum computing labs.
On entrepreneurship, the Chief Minister urged young people to take early risks. “I was clear that if there is one thing I want to promote for the youth, it is entrepreneurship. That’s why we started the PRIME program. If you want to start a business and take a risk, now is the time,” he said.
He concluded by encouraging the youth to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem. “I encourage all of you not only to pursue your ventures but also to help build an ecosystem where more youth can participate, with support from the government and PRIME,” he added.
Saloni Verma, IAS, Executive Director of MBMA, highlighted the achievements of the PRIME program, which has incubated around 300 startups and distributed ₹38 crore in funding to entrepreneurs, in addition to ₹146 crore sanctioned under Chief Minister-led initiatives. She noted that 24 colleges, including St. Anthony’s, have been supported under the academia sector, with a total allocation of ₹6.38 crore per institution, of which ₹30 lakh has been effectively utilized by St. Anthony’s College.
She emphasized PRIME’s expansion to all 56 blocks and congratulated the student innovators behind PROBITES, as well as other ventures such as Be Organics, Zeta Tribe and Malicious.
Earlier, Fr. Arcadius Puwein, SDB, PhD, Principal of St. Anthony’s College, delivered the welcome address, expressing pride in the college’s students and faculty. He also paid tribute to the late Shri P.A. Sangma, noting that he studied at St. Anthony’s and stayed in Stephen Hall, which today houses the “Rank Holder Room” to inspire academic excellence among students.
The program commenced with an exhibition tour, followed by an opening prayer led by Fr. A.L. Jose, SDB, Rector. The event also featured a special performance by the SAC Drama Club, the launch of student-led products and ventures, and the felicitation of emerging student entrepreneurs.
