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Some farmers in Afghanistan hope the flower that produces the spice saffron will slow opium production alternative.

The illegal drug opium is Afghanistan's biggest export.

Saffron is a good alternative to opium production.

It sells for $1500 a kilogram in Western markets.

An alternative is something that can be chosen instead of what was originally planned.

In this example, it means the same as substitute.

Alternative can also mean something that is not usual or traditional.

Now you know what alternative means.