This paper presents the design and simulation of a solar Photovoltaic driven pumping system to irrigate a 10-hectare maize farm located at Ethiopia, Debre Markos, Wonka site. The system pumps 82 m3 of water from a nearby river to irrigate 10-hectare land. The proposed system is directly facing to solve the above problems and increase the profitability of the farmers. A life cycle analysis of the operating cost was performed to prove its economic feasibility compared to a diesel-based pumping system. System simulation and design were done using MATLAB/Simulink. The total power generated from solar PV was found to be 7.6 kW. The total cost of the PV driven pumping system for irrigation for a life span of 20 years was found to be $25700 and of the diesel system was $219791, which is about 9 times more than solar PV driven pumping system. By replacing the diesel pump system with the solar-driven one, an annual saving of emissions of 8 tonne of CO2 into the atmosphere is achieved while the use of diesel fuel of about 2856 L/year is avoided. The results of this study are expected to motivate and inspire the use of solar PV pumping systems in agriculture in remote areas of Ethiopia and avoid seasonal farming that is, extend the farming period and increase farmers’ income. Keywords: Solar photovoltaics; Water Pumping; System Simulation; System sizing; Economic feasibility; Environmental benefits