According to 1988 FAO statistics analysis on livestock population, India possesses . . . . . . . buffalo population

According to a 1988 FAO statistics analysis on livestock population, India possesses 20.8 million buffalo population.
The livestock census is conducted throughout the country periodically since 1919. The census usually covers all domesticated animals and head counts of these animals are taken. So far, 19 Livestock Censuses were conducted in participation with State Governments and UT Administrations.
The buffalo species originated in India. The present day domesticated buffaloes are the descendants of Bos arni found in wild states even today in north-eastern parts of India especially Assam and the surrounding areas.