Photo: IC

An Indian government unit established to develop soaps and medicinal products from cow dung has branched out with a "chip" it claims can protect people from cellphone radiation.

Without explaining how the technology works, the head of the National Cow Commission - set up in 2019 - said the device could simply be placed inside a mobile phone's protective cover.

"We have seen that if you keep this chip in your mobile, it reduces radiation significantly," chairman Vallabhbhai Kathiria told a news conference.

The announcement sparked considerable ridicule on social media. Cows are considered sacred by the country's majority Hindus and eating beef is banned in many states.

Kathiria told the Indian Express newspaper the chips were being manufactured by more than 500 cow refuge shelters and cost around 100 rupees ($1.36).