Johan Alexander Galva, a 21-year-old from El Palmar de Yaque, recently graduated with a degree in Agricultural Production from the Instituto Superior de Agricultura (ISA), where he attended on a scholarship. With his technical knowledge, particularly in hydroponic systems, Johan aims to start a lettuce and cilantro production business in his community. 

Hydroponic farming captured Johan’s interest due to its efficiency, higher-quality yields, and minimal labor requirements. Johan’s ultimate goal is to improve his financial situation to build a home for his mother, Juana Galva, whom he deeply admires for raising him and his siblings as a single mother. 

The high startup costs have been a challenge, and Johan lacks the credit history and collateral typically required by banks. However, his dedication to making the project succeed is unwavering: “I’m going to give 200% of my effort to make this project a success.”