This work presents the design of an autonomous, cost-effective and efficient solar powered irrigation pump using a switched reluctance motor (SRM) drive. The proposed system utilizes a modified CSC (Canonical Switching Cell) converter for power optimization of photovoltaic (PV) array. The continuous inductor current mode (CICM) working of DC-DC converter significantly minimizes the stresses on its devices. The mid-point converter used to energize the SRM, is electronically commutated to minimize the semiconductor losses and enhances the performance of system. The selection of optimal value of turn-on and turn-off switching angles considerably reduces the torque ripple and increases the average torque of SRM drive. The speed control via variable DC link voltage helps to completely eliminate the voltage and current sensors from the motor side. The proposed water pump system is designed and modeled on MATLAB/Simulink platform and is implemented in the hardware. The adequate response of system under different environmental conditions, validates its appropriateness as a cost effective and reliable water pump system.