Dhenkanal, July 2: Nestled at the foothills of the Kapilash hills in Odisha's Dhenkanal district, the 30-acre ‘Shri Dattatreya Sai Ashram’ has emerged as an example of how digital connectivity can transform rural enterprises. Equipped with a temple, a Gir cow shelter and an organic mango orchard featuring over 30 popular mango varieties, the ashram is now reaching customers across more than 10 states with the help of JioAirFiber's high-speed broadband service.
Established in 2002, the ashram initially took up organic farming to generate revenue for the daily upkeep of the temple. Leveraging the fertile soil of the Kapilash forest region and using only organic manure, the trust cultivated thousands of fruit and flowering trees, including premium mango varieties such as Amrapali, Kesar, Dasheri, Langra, Chausa, Mallika and Alphonso.
However, the ashram's remote location and lack of reliable internet connectivity had limited its business to nearby traders, making communication with buyers from distant cities difficult and restricting market expansion.
The situation changed after the installation of JioAirFiber, which enabled seamless digital communication with customers and logistics partners across the country.
Ashram Convener Akhil Kumar Jena said the high-speed broadband service has significantly improved daily operations and strengthened the institution's financial sustainability.
"With JioAirFiber, we can instantly inform buyers once harvesting begins, share high-quality photographs and videos of the produce after sorting and grading, and finalise orders much faster. The service has also made communication with transport operators seamless," he said.
The improved connectivity has streamlined the entire supply chain, allowing buyers from states including Delhi, Maharashtra, Punjab and Haryana to inspect mangoes through live video calls before dispatch. Digital payment transactions are now processed instantly, ensuring smoother cash flow, while real-time shipment tracking has reduced delays and post-harvest losses.
Building on the success of its digital transformation, the ashram has installed an additional JioAirFiber connection to support an extensive CCTV surveillance network across its 30-acre campus, enhancing the security of the orchard, temple and cowshed. The broadband service has also enabled uninterrupted Wi-Fi connectivity for devotees and spiritual tourists staying at the ashram's guest house.
Today, the ashram's organically grown mangoes are supplied to customers in over ten states, while the initiative has generated sustainable employment for nearly 50 local residents.
The success of Shri Dattatreya Sai Ashram highlights the growing role of digital connectivity in bridging the rural-urban divide, expanding market access for agricultural producers and promoting sustainable livelihoods in remote parts of Odisha.
