The purpose of this research is qualitative analysis and prioritize the challenges of sustainable agricultural development in Iran. In this research, using a qualitative method, an attempt has been made to identify the challenges of sustainable agricultural development in Khuzestan province. Qualitative research involves in-depth evaluation, collection, and analysis of non-numerical data to identify and understand phenomena, concepts, ideas, or experiences. This research has been conducted from January to September 2021 to provide a comprehensive, and practical model to understand the challenges through grounded theory and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in Khuzestan province. This research is an applied type of research, and (systematic) grounded theory is used. The data were collected by performing in-depth semi-structured interviews with the 30 agricultural experts in this field. Data analysis was done by using MAX qualitative data analysis version 12 software (maxqda12) in three steps: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. The results of this study by grounded theory identified 29 initial codes and six main following challenges were categorized and by AHP prioritized: weakness in management and planning, weakness in human resources, shortage of attention to environmental studies, shortage of infrastructure facilities, shortage of credit and financial capital and weakness in legislation and sustainability policy. A model was finally designed based on the results of the study. Manuscript profile