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The sector has not been operating at full capacity since 2008.
In a telephone interview, Mr Khumalo said shortage of funds was hindering efforts by farmers to revive the ostrich industry.
“A number of farmers in Matabeleland Province are struggling to get back into ostrich farming due to lack of finance.
“Most of these farmers went out of business due to the economic meltdown that affected the country in 2008,” he said.
Most farmers were struggling to secure loans to boost their flock as they did not have enough collateral to convince money-lenders.
The other challenge affecting ostrich production was lack of markets. Mr Khumalo said new markets had to be unlocked and explored prior to reviving the industry.
“Ostrich farming is still facing challenges and this has forced some farmers to suspend operations thereby forcing many out of their jobs,” he said.
Mr Khumalo encouraged farmers to work with their associations to make it easier for them to access funds and look for new markets.
He said at the moment they were mainly concerned with livestock production and once everything was on track, they may divert their energy to ostrich production.
“At the moment we are more concerned with livestock production because its situation is also dire. Ostrich production is slightly expensive and needs heavy investment but once we are done with livestock, we may divert to look at it and find ways of reviving the industry,” said Mr Khumalo.
Zimbabwe used to export ostrich skins, meat and bones to European countries bringing millions of dollars in foreign currency every year before the industry started collapsing.
Online Reporter