Buffaloes by Country and World 1961-2022 | Livestock

This bar chart race shows the annual estimated number of livestock buffaloes by country and world from 1961 to 2022.

The global population of livestock buffaloes has seen notable changes since 1961. The data reveals significant trends and shifts in the distribution and growth of buffalo populations across different countries and regions. Since 1961, the global buffalo population has steadily increased. In 1961, the world had approximately 90 million buffaloes. By the 2020s, this number has more than doubled, exceeding 200 million.

The majority of the world's buffalo population is concentrated in Asia, particularly in South and Southeast Asia:
India has consistently maintained the largest buffalo population in the world. In 1961, India had about 50 million buffaloes, which has grown to over 110 million in recent years. This growth is driven by the high demand for buffalo milk and meat.
Pakistan has also seen substantial growth in its buffalo population. From around 7 million in 1961, the number has risen to over 40 million, making Pakistan the second-largest buffalo-holding country.
China has experienced significant increases as well. Starting with approximately 8 million buffaloes in 1961, the population has grown to over 25 million. This growth reflects the country's expanding dairy industry and meat consumption.
Countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Vietnam have also seen notable increases in their buffalo populations, though on a smaller scale compared to India and Pakistan.

Outside of Asia, buffalo populations are relatively small. Countries in Africa and South America have minor buffalo populations, used mainly for local dairy and agricultural purposes.

Buffalo milk is a crucial dairy product in many Asian countries, particularly in India and Pakistan. The increasing population correlates with the rising demand for dairy products. Buffalo meat is also a significant industry, with countries like India and Pakistan exporting large quantities of buffalo meat. In many developing regions, buffaloes are vital for agricultural activities, including plowing fields and transportation.

The data indicates a robust growth in the global buffalo population since 1961, driven mainly by the demand for dairy and meat products in South and Southeast Asia. India and Pakistan lead in buffalo population growth, while other countries in the region also contribute to the increasing numbers. This trend highlights the economic and agricultural importance of buffaloes in these regions.

Data source: FAO

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