THEBUSINESSBYTE BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, JUNE 30, 2026
Nestled at the foothills of the Kapilash Mountain Range in
Odisha's Dhenkanal district, the 30-acre Shri Dattatreya Sai Ashram is a unique
blend of spirituality, sustainable agriculture and rural entrepreneurship. Home
to a temple, a goshala with indigenous Gir cows, and a sprawling orchard of
more than 30 premium mango varieties, the Ashram has emerged as an inspiring
example of how digital connectivity can transform traditional farming into a
pan-India enterprise.
Once constrained by its remote location and poor
communication infrastructure, the Ashram has now expanded its reach to
customers across more than 10 states, powered by high-speed connectivity
through JioAirFiber.
Established in 2002, the Ashram initially took up horticulture
to generate sustainable income for the maintenance of its temple and daily
activities. Over the years, thousands of fruit and flower trees were planted,
taking advantage of the fertile soil of the Kapilash forest region and adopting
completely organic farming practices.
Today, the orchard produces an impressive range of premium
mangoes, including Amrapali, Kesar, Dasheri, Langra, Chausa, Mallika and the
prized Alphonso, all cultivated without chemical fertilisers.
Despite producing high-quality organic fruits, the Ashram
struggled to scale its business due to poor internet connectivity. Sales
remained largely dependent on local distributors, while communication with
buyers in distant markets was slow and unreliable.
The breakthrough came with the installation of JioAirFiber,
which brought reliable high-speed wireless broadband to the remote Ashram,
fundamentally transforming its operations.
"The JioAirFiber connection has enabled us to stay
closely connected with our customers and transportation coordinators. As soon
as harvesting begins, we immediately inform buyers. After cleaning and grading
the mangoes, we share high-quality photographs and videos, allowing customers
to verify the quality and confirm their orders without delay," said Akhil Kumar
Jena, Abahak (Convenor) of the Ashram.
The digital transformation has streamlined the entire supply
chain. Buyers in Delhi, Maharashtra, Punjab and Haryana can now inspect the
quality, size and freshness of the mangoes through real-time video calls even
before the produce is packed and dispatched.
Instant digital payments have improved cash flow, while
real-time coordination with transporters ensures faster dispatch and timely
deliveries, significantly reducing spoilage of the highly perishable fruit.
Encouraged by the success of its digital integration, the
Ashram has further strengthened its technology infrastructure by installing a
second JioAirFiber connection to support an extensive CCTV surveillance network
across the 30-acre campus, safeguarding its orchard, temple and livestock.
Digital connectivity has also enhanced the experience of
visitors. The Ashram's guest house, with more than 30 rooms, now offers
seamless Wi-Fi access, enabling pilgrims and tourists to remain connected while
enjoying the tranquillity of the natural surroundings.
Beyond its commercial success, the Shri Dattatreya Sai Ashram has emerged as a compelling model of rural digital empowerment. By eliminating geographical barriers through technology, it has created sustainable livelihoods for around 50 local people while transforming a spiritual trust into a self-sustaining agricultural brand with customers across India.
As broadband connectivity continues to reach Odisha's rural heartland, the Ashram's journey demonstrates how digital innovation can preserve tradition, strengthen local economies and unlock new opportunities for rural communities.
