Solar powered water pumping systems offer a sustainable alternative to conventional grid-connected and diesel-driven irrigation systems. However, fixed-speed solar pumping systems suffer from poor energy utilization under varying solar irradiance. This paper presents the design and analysis of a solar photovoltaic (PV) based water pumping system integrated with a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) for efficient agricultural irrigation. The proposed system employs a mono-crystalline PV array to supply a solar-compatible VFD, which drives a three-phase induction motor coupled to a centrifugal or submersible pump. A scalar V/f control strategy is implemented to regulate the motor speed according to the available solar power. System sizing, mathematical modelling and performance analysis are presented. The results show that the proposed solar PV–VFD pumping system improves energy utilization, reduces mechanical and electrical stresses, and enhances operational reliability compared with conventional pumping systems.