The cheese prepared at Austogram in Kishoreganj has got its fame and reputation in the country and abroad. During the rule of the Mughal empire in India, sufficient milk was produced in Austogram. The cheese prepared in Austogram is learnt to be supplied even to the Shahi Darbar of Delhi and to the countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and England. It is further learnt, researchers from Australia, New Zealand, Denmark and London had once visited Austogram to learn the process of preparing of this high-value, lucrative Cheese. Now, the Cheese of Austogram is being used as a symbol for the district Branding.
Presently, due to increased crisis of milk-supply from the Haor region, production of cheese has been decreased in Austogram. As a result, many of milkmen who used to manage their livelihood through preparing and selling of cheese, have abandoned their paternal profession.
According to sources, the Haors of the district were used for grazing land of hundreds of cows and buffaloes. During the rule of Isha Khan, one of his relatives known as Panir Khan came to Austogram and started to prepare cheese from the buffalo milk. Ultimately the cheese prepared by Panir Khan was named as Panir (The Bangla meaning of cheese). The cheese was prepared by mixing salt with the curd and drying it.
Milkmen Sujon Khan and Mofiz Chowdhury of village Uttarhati of the upazila informed, six kilogramme of curd is obtained from 40 kilogramme of milk. By mixing one kilogramme of salt, seven kilogramme of cheese is prepared through the curd. Now, each kilogramme of cheese is sold at Taka 500 to 600 to various places of the country including in Dhaka and Chattogram.
Shahidul Islam James, Chairman of Austogram upazila Parishad informed, cheese of Austogram is famous for its taste and flavour in the country and abroad. he hoped, the government will take step to develop the traditional cheese industry of Austogram.
Sarwar Murshed Chowdhury, Deputy Commissioner of Kishoreganj informed, the cheese of Austogram has been made as the district Branding. Plans have been taken up to develop and expansion of this brand by the district administration.